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Germany vs Scotland Preview - Predictions, team news, lineups
Blogs

Germany vs Scotland Preview - Predictions, team news, lineups

13/06/24 12:31

Germany vs Scotland Preview

The 2024 European Championships are set to begin tomorrow, with hosts Germany kicking off the tournament against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Die Mannschaft, after group stage exits in two of their last three major tournaments, are looking to revive the magic of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where Jürgen Klinsmann’s team defied expectations to reach the semifinals on home soil. In pursuit of a record-breaking fourth EURO title, Julian Nagelsmann, who replaced Hansi Flick as coach last year, had a challenging start. However, recent wins against France and the Netherlands in March indicate a promising future under the 36-year-old ex-Bayern boss. A victory in Munich would certainly elevate hopes for a deep run in the tournament.

Scotland have the chance to cause an early upset and put down a marker that The Tartan Army are here to win, not just make up the numbers. The team enjoyed impressive wins over Spain and Norway in the qualifying round, and manager Steve Clarke will hope to benefit from facing a Germany side that has only been managed eight times by current boss Julian Nagelsmann. Despite only picking up having just one win in their last nine games at tournaments, the opening game of a tournament usually doesn’t disappoint and Clarke will be hoping the pressure of being on home soil may help his side cause an upset.

Team News

Alongside not calling up some big names, Germany also lost midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović to tonsillitis this week. Emre Can was called up as his replacement, however Nagelsmann is expected to start with a double pivot of Bayer Leverkusen’s Robert Andrich and the retiring Toni Kroos regardless.

This means captain Ilkay Gundogan will likely play in the number ten role, but it’s still unknown who will start in the other attacking positions. Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala jostle for the wide positions. With Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug competing to spearhead the attack.

Scotland were hit hard by injuries earlier this month. Losing striker Lyndon Dykes who played every game in the qualifying round to an ankle injury. Ben Doak also didn’t make the squad, failing to recover from a knee injury he has been nursing since December. Despite concerns this week, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and Stuart Armstrong all look ready to go.

Scotland may opt for a back five to frustrate Germany, relying on hitman McTominay to come up with a goal to add to the seven he scored in qualifying.

Germany possible starting lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Kroos; Gundogan, Wirtz, Musiala; Havertz

Scotland possible starting lineup: Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Shankland

We Say: Germany 2-1 Scotland

Scotland may approach Friday's opener with a sense of freedom and nothing to lose, but the pressure is squarely on Germany. Recent major tournaments have seen them struggle under high expectations. However, Nagelsmann's squad has already secured victories against France and the Netherlands this year. Facing a Scotland team that failed to maintain its early qualifying momentum, Germany is poised to start the summer tournament with a straightforward win however Scotland may get one back late on.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Patrick McGahren

Writer

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