France vs Germany
France vs Germany is probably the pick of the first round of Euro2020 group games. The match takes place on June 15 in Munich. France were runners-up in the last edition of the European Championships and will be looking to go one better this time out. However, the first game of their campaign is a tough one against three-times Champions and six-times finalists Germany. Read on for our match predictions, game analysis and betting tips.
Form
Didier Deschamp’s France team comes into this game on the back of some good form, having only lost once in their last eleven games. That loss came in a friendly against Finland with a somewhat experimental side and as such it’s not one to take much notice of. Although France could only manage a draw with Ukraine in March, they have beaten Portugal, Kazakhstan and Bosnia-Herzegovina in tough away ties which should prepare them well for a visit to rivals Germany.
This tournament will mark the end of Joachim Low’s spell as Germany head coach and he will be anxious to leave on a high. His side doesn’t enter the tournament in the best vein of form however, having lost to North Macedonia in Duisburg in March thanks to a late Elif Elmas winner. Their other defeat in their last eleven games was a 6-0 humping away to Spain that had many people questioning if this was the end of the road for Low.
Injuries
France have named their final squad for the tournament early, with a few big omissions. Bayern Munich-bound defender Dayot Upamecano missed out, as did Real Madrid left back Ferland Mendy. A poor goalscoring return for Manchester United forward Anthony Martial saw him miss out while 18-year-old Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga didn’t quite make it. However with the likes of Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann in the team it was always going to be hard for them to make it.
Low will have been nervous with the news that midfield star Ilkay Gundogan picked up a knock in training before the Champions League final but the Manchester City man played the entire game as his side lost 1-0. The sole goalscorer was his countryman Kai Havertz, who is starting to look worth the huge amount that Chelsea paid for him and coming into form just ready for the tournament.
Game Prediction
Germany are marginal favourites for this one with bookies offering as generous odds as 2.30 against the home side picking up the win. On paper the Germany team does look formidable but the recent defeat to North Macedonia goes to show that they are far from invincible. This game is probably one that will decide the group winner and the question is how much will Deschamps and Low look to be cautious - we’re expecting a tight one and we think betting tips out there will reflect this.