The France XI that should start against Germany at Euro 2020
By Tom Gott
As the reigning world champions, France will be expecting to make a major statement when they kick their Euro 2020 campaign off against Germany on Tuesday.
Germany might not be themselves these days, but they are still more than good enough to win this game, meaning Didier Deschamps must go all out to secure what would likely be a crucial victory.
Here's how he should do that.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Hugo Lloris (GK) - As France's captain, Lloris remains the undisputed starter in goal, although Mike Maignan is breathing down his neck with increasing ferocity.
Benjamin Pavard (RB) - The Bayern Munich right back is among the world's finest in his position and must start here ahead of Leo Dubois.
Raphael Varane (CB) - The poster boy for France's embarrassment of riches at the back, Varane now has the chance to win the one trophy that has eluded him in his career thus far.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - Jules Kounde will play a big part in this tournament, but Kimpembe's big-game experience gives him the edge for this one.
Lucas Hernandez (LB) - When fit, Lucas has been France's undisputed starter since he made his debut in 2018, and that's not going to change here.
2. Midfielders
Paul Pogba (CM) - The first half of perhaps the scariest midfield duo in world football, expect Pogba to bring out his best form on the international stage yet again.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Partner-in-crime Kante is among the best players in the world right now, and a big showing here would boost his Ballon d'Or chances. We all want that, French or otherwise.
Corentin Tolisso (CM) - The Blaise Matuidi role has been given to Tolisso recently, although expect Adrien Rabiot to share some of the minutes here.
Antoine Griezmann (AM) - Back in the role which made him so deadly back in 2018, Griezmann will want to show the world that he deserves his reputation as one of the best around.
3. Forwards
Kylian Mbappe (ST) - More of an out-and-out striker than he was at the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe now has the freedom to get in more goalscoring positions, and that sounds like a whole lot of fun.
Karim Benzema (ST) - He's been nursing a muscle injury in the build-up to this one, but Benzema should be fit enough to take part.