In what looks to be the tie of the opening round, France hope to stamp their authority as tournament favourites when they square off with Germany in their own backyard. This will be a huge clash for both nations, who have to get points off each other in Group F, with a three-way tussle expected for top spot between themselves and Portugal. This fixture has certainly gathered the hype it needs prior to kick-off, so let’s hope the last two World Cup winners don’t disappoint when they meet on Tuesday.
Euro 2020: Group F
Tuesday 15 June
Allianz Arena
21:00
To Win
France 31/20
Draw 21/10
Germany 37/20
France
World champions, France, hope to go one better than they did in the last Euro tournament, where they lost out on the final to Portugal. In that time, Les Bleus went on to conquer the world and have rightfully earned their status as the tournament’s hot favourites.
France also seem to have learnt from their wrongs and have opted to recall Karim Benzema back to the fold. The Real Madrid frontman will now form arguably the greatest attacking trio in international football, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
Behind them, the midfield pairing of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante have enough quality to boss any opposing teams’ central area. Defensively, France also have the most resolute unit on the planet, making them extremely difficult to impose.
Without any significant weaknesses, Didier Deschamps’ men will be fancying their chances against the Germans.
Germany
Joachim Low will take charge of Germany for one last time this Euros, with Die Mannschaft’s boss calling it quits. Yes, five years too late, and as crazy it may sound, German football needs to let go of Low in order to move forward – despite all that he has achieved.
Low has opted to play a back three formation with Germany, a system only Antonio Rudiger and Robin Gosens are used to at club level, who, to be fair, are two defenders you wouldn’t really want to build your defence around.
Germany’s back three formation also takes out one less attacking player from the fold, an area where the 2014 world champions are flourishing.
Kai Havertz will be on a high after scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League for Chelsea, while Bayern Munich duo Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane will also be looking to impose the French defence with their blistering pace and trickery.
Timo Werner has a point to prove after a disastrous individual campaign with Chelsea and will have his targets set on setting the European stage alight, that is, of course, if he can find that target.
Prediction: France (31/20)
It may seem fairly unpopular, but I doubt you would get the world champions at a better price throughout this tournament. France are excellent value at 31/20 and have a better squad, are better coached, and will produce the better outcome. The fact that this tie will be played in Munich doesn’t throw me off at all as well. I’ll be including Les Bleus in all my multiples, as should you.
Written by Jesse Nagel