Predicting Germany's Starting XI for Euro 2020 This Summer
Having taken a couple of years to lick their wounds after a cataclysmic 2018 World Cup campaign, Germany promise to be back with a bang when this summer rolls around.
Joachim Low's players have regenerated themselves almost beyond recognition, and while they might not be one of the clear favourites heading in - since they're not Belgium, France or England (who are many people's pick, for some reason) - you certainly wouldn't be surprised if they went the distance.
But who is likely to start for Die Mannschaft when they kick off their next crack at glory come June? We've had a very stab at predicting their XI.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Manuel Neuer (GK) - You can say what you like about Marc André ter-Stegen being the better option between the sticks, but the fact remains that Low's faith in his captain is unyielding. The undisputed number one started seven of their eight matches, missing only the dead rubber final game against Northern Ireland, and unless he suddenly decides to retire from international football between now and June then he is set to keep that spot nailed down.
Lukas Klostermann (RB) - Low switched between a number of formations in qualifying, experimenting with 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 before landing on four at the back for the closing fixtures - in which Klostermann came into his own at right-back. Since making his debut in March 2019 he's missed just two games for Germany, and PSG's Thilo Kehrer has some fight on his hands if he plans to wrestle it back.
Matthias Ginter (CB) - He hasn't exploded onto the scene as much as he has gradually worked his way into Low's plans, but Ginter is nonetheless a key ingredient of a remarkably efficient defence, though he does have tough competition in the form of the towering Jonathan Tah.
Niklas Sule (CB) - Still out with a cruciate injury that threatened to derail his season as early as October, Sule is facing a race against time to be fit. He's due for a return in late April, however, and if he is anything approaching fit after a month of hard training then he is a cert to return to the team.
Nico Schulz (LB) - Schulz's grip on the left-back spot is highlighted by the deployment of three different left-backs in the four matches he missed throughout the qualifying phase. Perhaps not the most electric left-back but he's certainly reliable and very much trusted to do the job on the big stage.
Midfielders
Toni Kroos (CM) - There are some players whose quality utterly transcends any form concerns, and Toni Kroos is one of those. His remarkable experience will undoubtedly be central to any success they have, not to mention the fact that he is probably still Germany's best player.
Joshua Kimmich (CM) - Having been re-purposed back into central midfield after being deployed at right-back for around 18 months, Kimmich has taken his game to new heights and is once again a key figure in the Germany engine room. His creativity and passing range from deep complements his natural industriousness and he is in many ways the ideal Germany midfield player.
Leon Goretzka (CM) - The most explosive of the Germany midfield, Goretzka has been shifted about the Germany midfield in a variety of systems, deployed at times as a wide midfielder and a number 10. We reckon they'll go 4-3-3 to get the most out of the forwards, but partnered with two more judicious midfield players, he'll be asked - or rather allowed - to get up the park and cause chaos in the final third.
Forwards
Serge Gnabry (RW) - The greatest beneficiary of the new Germany era has been on fire. Whether playing as part of a front two, a central striker or off the left, he's netted frequently and consistently, racking up 11 goals in his last 11 international appearances. He is his country's primary goalscoring threat - and that's saying something for a side that scored 27 goals in eight qualifiers.
Timo Werner (ST) - Partially due to Gnabry's form, Werner wasn't quite given the chance to shine during qualifying but his form for Leipzig this season means his claim to a starting spot has only been strengthened. 11 goals in 29 international appearances might be modest in comparison to one or two of his contemporaries but he is their best natural centre forward and is priming to show that in the summer.
Marco Reus (LW) - The more things change, the more they stay the same. Both Borussia Dortmund and Germany have been through a lot throughout Reus' career so far but he has persevered to remain a key player for both throughout. His pedigree and experience in an otherwise youthfully exuberant front line will be of immeasurable importance.
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