Germany lineup vs. France: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League third-place playoff

Wrapping up their best UEFA Nations League campaign to date, Germany will meet France in a third-place playoff on Sunday, after being edged out by Portugal in the semi-finals.

The hosts are missing several men this month, with Kai Havertz, Antonio Rudiger and Jamal Musiala the most notable. Nadiem Amiri (adductor), Yann Aurel Bisseck (leg), Jonathan Burkardt (heel), Benjamin Henrichs (Achilles), Tim Kleindienst (knee), Nico Schlotterbeck (knee) and Angelo Stiller (ankle) are also unavailable.

Given the relatively low stakes, Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann may rotate his remaining squad, offering starts to players such as Pascal Gross, Robin Gosens and Serge Gnabry.  

Fit-again goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen should start again, though, consigning Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel to the bench.

It remains to be seen which defensive shape Nagelsmann picks this time out, but captain Joshua Kimmich should feature on the right flank, making his 101st international appearance. Meanwhile, in the centre, Bayern Munich new boy Jonathan Tah may again team up with Waldemar Anton and Robin Koch. 

In Musiala's absence, Liverpool target Florian Wirtz will most likely play just behind a lone striker whose identity is not clear yet.

Without Kleindienst - and with West Ham United’s Niclas Fullkrug recently below his best - Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade led the line on Wednesday. However, as he will also be on duty with Germany Under-21s this summer, the towering frontman could make way, with Fullkrug and Deniz Undav competing to replace him.

Germany possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Tah, Koch, Anton; Kimmich, Gross, Goretzka, Gosens; Gnabry, Wirtz; Undav

> Click here to see how France could line up for this third-place playoff

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea