Germany Predicted Starting Line-Up

Germany have done what Germany do best so far at Euro 2016: winning football matches even when they aren’t at the top of their game.

After sailing through the group stages they demolished Slovakia before needing a penalty shootout to see off Italy, who were one of the standout teams in the tournament.

An injury to Sami Khedira – and knowing the strength in attack of France – dictates a change of shape for Joachim Low, who will sacrifice an attacking outlet to bring in an extra midfielder:

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

The Germany captain is without doubt one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and originated the ‘sweeper-keeper’ movement. He remains a pivotal figure in this German side.

Defence: Benedikt Howedes, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Jonas Hector

Low has shuffled his defensive pack throughout this tournament, but given the attacking threat presented by France he will surely pick the four best defenders at his disposal, rather than those who offer something extra in attack.

So Howedes will keep his place at right back ahead of Kimmich, who will slot into midfield. Boateng and Hummels are rock solid in the centre, while Hector cemented the left back spot as his own after a number of fine showings in the Bundesliga for Koln this term.

Midfield: Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger

The need to reinforce the midfield area to combat the threat of Pogba, Griezmann and Matuidi means that Kimmich, the supremely talented and versatile young Bayern player, will slot into his favoured midfield role.

There he will be joined by experienced duo Kroos and Schweinsteiger, who replaced Khedira in the quarter finals and produced a typically robust display.

Attack: Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gomez

Greater defensive stability means that an attacking player must be sacrificed, although Muller and Ozil, playing slightly wider than normal, will surely fancy their chances against Patrice Evra and Bacary Sagna respectively.

They will aim to provide the ammunition for Mario Gomez, an old-fashioned centre forward presence who will thrive on crosses into the box – an area in which France’s defence have been found wanting.