The new UEFA Nations League begins on Thursday when World Champions France travel to Munich to face Germany. This is the first time the French side will be in action since lifting the World Cup and it comes at a difficult time for German football, after their disastrous title defense.
Didier Deschamps' side were crowned world champions following a 4-2 win over Croatia and the spine of that squad includes Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane retaining their places.
Captain Hugo Lloris will miss the game due to a thigh injury and the uncapped Benjamin Lecomte has been called in for the match which Deschamps said will still be tough, even at a difficult time for German football.
“We have difficult opponents ahead. It’s never easy to play against Germany. Also if they had this difficult World Cup this won't be an easy match tomorrow. With the gain of this title we have the advantage that of course, we have big self-confidence but we must not forget how we got there and we must not fall asleep,” said Deschamps.
Joachim Loew, head coach of Germany, speaks to his players during training before the International Friendly football match between Germany and France at Allianz Arena in Munich. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, Germany finalized their preparations ahead of their first Nations League match. Head coach Joachim Loew's has named a strong German squad as they look to get over their miserable performance in Russia.
Then defending champions crashed out in the group stage, finishing bottom of their table after two defeats and Loew has freshened up his squad with call-ups for Jonathan Tah, Thilo Kehrer, Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz and Nils Petersen.
The German boss has though retained the experienced of a nucleus that included goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defenders Mats Hummels and Joshua Kimmich and forwards Thomas Muller and Marco Reus.
“We probably won't be the favorites when the current World Champions play their first match after the World Cup. I don't think we are the favorites. We exited the competition in the first leg. For years we were favorites in every match. But now we will start again from a different position in the UEFA Nations League,” Loew told the media.
Elsewhere, as the first round of fixtures get underway, the Czech Republic meet Ukraine, Wales are against the Republic of Ireland. Slovenia play with Bulgaria while Norway take on Cyprus.