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Reigning world champions France will open their Euro 2020 campaign against Germany at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. The competition is Joachim Low's final tournament in charge of Die Mannschaft, with his former assistant Hansi Flick to take over the reins of the team after Euro 2020.
Perched in a tough Group F, also called the 'Group of Death', France and Germany will face stiff competition from reigning champions Portugal and Hungary. Considering that only the top two teams will advance to the knockouts, both France and Germany will look to start their campaigns with a win.
France are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, while Germany endured a surprise defeat to North Macedonia in April. In the last meeting between the two teams, France rode on an Antoine Griezmann brace to beat Germany 2-1.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, Chelsea's plans for Hakimi, and more.
On that note, let's take a look at five players from either team to watch out for in this game.
#5 N'Golo Kante (France)
After winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, French midfielder N'Golo Kante was singled out for praise by many, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The 71-year-old said:
"Before he won the ball, and he made a good pass, he was an exceptional ball winner. I say an exceptional ball-winner because he wins decisive balls without making a foul. But he is now capable of running with the ball and make a good pass in the final third. That’s why I am certain he is the best all-round midfielder in Europe at the moment."
The 30-year-old France international is coming off a decent season in the Premier League, winning 53% of his tackles and recovering the ball 194 times in 30 appearances.
If Kante replicates his club form for France, Germany could be in for a tough night. In the lead-up to his team's Euro 2020 opener, Didier Deschamps revealed that Kante would be the first player in France's teamsheet.
#4 Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Manuel Neuer will have to be at his best to lead Germany to their first win against France since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
While the odds are against Low's side, Timo Werner strongly believes Neuer is the best keeper in the world and could help Germany beat the reigning world champions. The Chelsea forward said in this regard:
"He's sensational and has been the best goalkeeper for years. For me, he's the best in the world. In training, if you don't put the ball right in the corner, it's not going in. He has a magnificent aura and is a top-class goalkeeper."
It has been 12 years since Neuer made his international debut for Germany. Since then, the Bayern Munich player has won numerous awards, including the Golden Glove in 2014 and Best FIFA Men's goalkeeper in 2020.
Given that he is 35, Neuer is likely to be appearing in his last Euro campaign for Die Mannschaft.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
#3 Paul Pogba (France)
In the lead-up to their Euro 2020 campaign, France beat Bulgaria 3-0, where Paul Pogba played a key role, winning all his dribbles, creating one chance and making seven ball recoveries.
In his previous Euro campaign, the French midfielder played every match, scoring a goal against Iceland in the quarter-finals and providing an assist against Germany in the semi-final.
With Deschamps a great admirer of the Manchester United regular, Pogba is likely to be given the green light to unleash his creativity and exert his dominance in midfield.
The 28-year-old also has a formidable partnership with Kante, and France have yet to lose a game with both Pogba and Kante in the XI. So Germany could have their work cut out on Tuesday.
#2 Kai Havertz (Germany)
According to reports, Kai Havertz is expected to start against France ahead of Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane. The Chelsea forward scored the Champions League winner against Manchester City just two weeks ago and produced two assists when Germany thrashed Latvia 7-1 last week.
In his last five appearances for Die Mannschaft, the 22-year-old has tallied two goals and four assists. Given Havertz's impressive form for the national team, France will need to be wary of the Chelsea ace.
Former Liverpool midfielder and German international Dietmar Hamann believes Havertz could play a key role for his country at Euro 2020. He said in this regard:
"He's a great passer of the ball, makes good decisions; he is two-footed, and he is a great finisher. He will be Germany’s main player in this tournament and for the next two or three tournaments."
#1 Karim Benzema (France)
After suffering an injury scare last week, Karim Benzema is expected to be fit and could start for Les Bleus in their opening Euro 2020 game against Germany.
Making his return to the national team fold for the first time since 2015, the Real Madrid ace was named in Deschamps' starting XI in the last two games.
Despite not getting into the scoresheet in either of them, Benzema has looked sharp in front of goal this season, scoring 30 goals in 46 appearances for his club. So the 33-year-old will be eager to replicate his strong club form in Les Bleus colours.
