On Friday night, hosts Germany will kick off Euro 2024 against Scotland, with both sides aiming to begin their campaigns on a strong foot.
Julian Nagelsmann's side will hope to continue their recent resurgence in front of a full-capacity home crowd at the Allianz Arena in Munich, as Die Mannschaft bid to win their first major international tournament since the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and their first European Championship since 1996.
Germany come into the opener on the back of a four-game unbeaten streak, with statement wins over France and Netherlands in the March international friendlies, before a goalless draw against Ukraine and a determined 2-1 comeback victory against Greece in their final Euro 2024 warm-up fixture.
It was goals from Kai Havertz and Pascal Groß that completed the spirited fightback against the Euro 2004 champions last Friday night, which gave Die Mannschaft a winning platform to take into the tournament.
Nagelsmann will certainly hope that it resembles a sign of things to come, as he aims to eradicate memories of a dismal 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign under his predecessor, Hansi Flick, and live up to the weight of home expectations.
Standing in their way is an injury-ravaged Scotland side, looking to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
A blistering start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign saw Scotland finish second in their group ahead of Norway, and included a memorable 2-1 victory over eventual group winners Spain.
Whilst their stellar qualifying efforts will have provided the Tartan Army with plenty of optimism, Steve Clarke's side enter the tournament on a barren run of form, recording just one victory in their previous nine outings.
That solitary win came earlier this month against Gibraltar, in an underwhelming display, and after relinquishing a 2-0 lead to draw against Finland in their final pre-tournament fixture, Clarke will be wary that improvement is needed if they are to progress from a group also containing Hungary and Switzerland, who face off on Saturday.
Germany have faced Scotland 17 times previously, winning eight of the encounters, and have won the last three matches the two sides have contested - most recently a 3-2 victory in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
-
Team News
Germany
Die Mannschaft will enter the encounter without Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who has withdrawn from the squad due to tonsillitis. The 20-year-old made his international debut in the 0-0 draw versus Ukraine earlier this month and will be replaced by Emre Can.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder will provide depth in the middle of the park and will act as a capable backup to Robert Andrich and Toni Kroos, who have established themselves as Nagelsmann's preferred midfield pivot behind captain İlkay Gündoğan.
Kroos' Real Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger is expected to start at centre-back alongside Jonathan Tah. The versatile Joshua Kimmich has been utilised at right-back in Germany's recent outings, with Maximillian Mittelstädt occupying the opposite flank. They will be supported by Manuel Neuer in the German goal.
Nagelsmann will welcome a selection dilemma in attack, with Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sane all competing for the spaces out wide, whilst Kai Havertz jostles with Niclas Füllkrug to lead the German line.
Scotland
The Tartan Army enter the fixture after injury-plagued preparations.
Striker Lyndon Dykes was forced to pull out from the squad due to sustaining an ankle injury in training, joining national team regulars Ben Doak, Nathan Patterson, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson in missing the tournament.
Andy Robertson and Lawrence Shankland were both seen leaving training early on Monday sparking further injury concerns, however, it is believed the move was precautionary and both are expected to feature. The same can not be said for Ryan Jack, who is likely to miss out after sitting out of training earlier this week.
Clarke cut veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender John Souttar from his provisional squad, with both only recently returning from injury and not deemed to have won the race against time to recover adequately for the tournament.
Scotland will be expected to field a similar lineup to the one that faced Finland, with Angus Gunn starting between the posts. The aforementioned injuries to Patterson and Hickey have provided Anthony Ralston an opportunity to make the right-wing-back spot his own, and national captain Andy Robertson will also continue on the left-hand side.
Jack Hendry and Kieran Tierney are anticipated to play centre-back, whilst Clarke is facing a quandary at who will partner them to complete his back three, with Grant Hanley, Ryan Porteous and Liam Cooper all competing for the role.
Manchester United's Scott McTominay is still recovering from a minor knock, and therefore Billy Gilmour and Callum McGregor will be expected to start in the midfield pivot, with John McGinn and Ryan Christie supporting either Che Adams or Shankland in attack.
-
Likely Line-ups
Germany
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt; Kroos, Andrich; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz
Scotland
Gunn; Ralston, Porteous, Hendry, Tierney, Roberston; McGregor, Gilmour; McGinn, Shankland, Christie
-
Key Players
Germany - Kai Havertz
Havertz's contribution versus Greece continued a rejuvenated season for the striker. After receiving a low cross from Sane with his back to goal, the frontman delivered an exquisite left-footed finish to fire his side level. The Arsenal attacker ended the season scoring 5 times in the last 8 games for his club side, and will look to continue his recent form against a Scotland team who have demonstrated recent defensive frailties.
The German was first utilised at left-back when Nagelsmann took over as national team manager, but it is his return to leading the attack which has coincided with the upturn in form for Die Mannschaft.
Havertz offers a range of versatility to Nagelsmann due to his unique skillset, which allows him to operate as a false nine, dropping deep and utilising his elite link-up play and creative ability, or to act as an outlet with his prowess in the air and superiority when engaging in duels.
Scotland - Andy Robertson
The Liverpool full-back has featured 71 times for his country, captaining his national side 49 times.
The experienced defender is renowned for his hard work and grit on the left-hand side, and will need to be at his best defensively if Scotland are to stop a threatening German attack.
Operating at left-wing-back for his national side, Robertson will also be required to showcase his creative ability going forward. With 92 career assists, Roberston has built a reputation for his delivery into the box and currently ranks in the 99th percentile amongst fullbacks for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (via FBref).
Given McGinn and Christie like to invert and come inside, Clarke will expect Robertson to get forward to provide width for his side, and will hope one of his trademark deliveries can provide a memorable moment for the Tartan Army.
-
Match Details
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at the Allianz Arena, in Munich, Germany.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 20:00 BST on Friday 14th June 2024.
How can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match on ITV with live coverage starting at 18:30 BST, and kick-off at 20:00 BST.
