Perhaps the biggest game so far of Euro 2020 will take place on Tuesday when France and Germany face off in a Group F clash.
The World Cup champions are the favourites to win Euro 2020, while Germany are, surprisingly, underdogs to get out of their group, which also features defending Euro champions, Portugal.
In the last five encounters between the two sides, France has won three and there have been two draws. The last time the Germans defeated France was back at the 2014 World Cup, thanks to an early goal from Mats Hummels.
Let’s take a look at 5 players to watch out for in the game between France and Germany.
Euro 2020: France vs Germany – 5 players to watch out for
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe had his best season in PSG colours in the 2020-21 season, and he will have a huge role to play for his national team at Euro 2020.
The 22-year-old made everyone stand up and take notice of his performances at the 2018 World Cup. Mbappe’s speed, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring will be a threat to all teams at the Euros.
The addition of Karim Benzema to the France squad is only going to make Mbappe an even bigger threat as the Real Madrid star is a good provider and goal-scorer.
#2 Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan had a fabulous season for Manchester City, helping them to yet another Premier League title. The German central midfielder scored a whopping 17 goals in all competitions for the Premier League side.
The experienced midfielder’s work rate will be vital for Germany against a very strong France side, while his ability to ghost into the box to score goals could catch out the French defence. Gundogan will offer something in attack and defence for his side.
#3 N’Golo Kante
Gundogan will come against one of the best defensive midfielders in the world in N’Golo Kante. The French midfielder ended the 2020-21 season on a high, playing a vital part in Chelsea’s Champions League victory.
Kante’s ability to press and win back the ball, will allow France’s talented attackers to play with freedom and bomb forward.
#4 Serge Gnabry
Germany will hope Bayern Munich attacker Serge Gnabry makes inroads into France’s defence. The 25-year-old has an incredible record for his national team with 16 goals from 22 appearances, as well as six assists.
Top 🗑 pic.twitter.com/iXbtgn8yyT
— Serge Gnabry (@SergeGnabry) June 8, 2021
The former Arsenal player could be used on the right as a winger, or even centrally as a false nine. Gnabry’s dribbling and his neat finishing could prove to be vital for the Germans in the final third.
#5 Karim Benzema
The most surprising addition to the France squad for Euro 2020 was Karim Benzema. Benzema had a public fallout with French coach Didier Deschamps, but the two seem to have put their past behind them.
Benzema comes into the France team after yet another good season for Real Madrid, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.
He will most likely play alongside Mbappe in attack, with Barcelona attacker Antoine Griezmann playing behind the duo. This is perhaps one of the most frightening trios in world football at the moment.