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| Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match. |
Germany might have aimed for the UEFA Nations League 2024–25 final, but things didn’t go according to plan. Instead, they’ll face France in Stuttgart this Sunday in a third-place showdown.
A dramatic comeback by Portugal in the semifinal knocked Germany out of the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half goal sealed the win, leaving Julian Nagelsmann’s squad to battle for bronze against a very familiar opponent.
June has been tough for Germany. Injuries have sidelined several key players, including Jamal Musiala and Antonio Rüdiger. Even so, Die Mannschaft still have plenty of star power to go toe-to-toe with France.
Here’s a look at the predicted starting XI for Germany vs France, using a 3-4-2-1 formation:
Germany’s Predicted Starting Lineup vs France
Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
The Barcelona shot-stopper returned to the national team after missing most of the season due to injury. Against France’s stacked attack, expect ter Stegen to stay busy between the posts.
Center Back: Jonathan Tah
In his first appearance since signing with Bayern Munich, Tah had a rough outing, especially during Portugal’s second goal. He’ll need to step up big time against the likes of Kylian Mbappé.
Center Back: Robin Koch
Koch has had a strong season with Eintracht Frankfurt. With Rüdiger and Schlotterbeck out, he’s getting more national team minutes and will earn his 14th cap on Sunday.
Center Back: Waldemar Anton
Anton wouldn’t have started if not for injuries in the squad. The Borussia Dortmund defender must be sharp to deal with France’s electric forwards.
Right Wing-Back: Joshua Kimmich
Usually a midfielder, Kimmich adapted well as a wing-back last game, even providing an assist to Wirtz. That match also marked his 100th appearance for Germany—what a milestone!
Central Midfield: Leon Goretzka
Goretzka is back in the fold and will be expected to control the midfield against a physical and technically gifted French team. He might have a new midfield partner alongside him.
Central Midfield: Pascal Groß
Groß could replace the young Aleksandar Pavlovic in midfield. Although he didn’t feature midweek, the veteran has been reliable for Dortmund all season.
Left Wing-Back: Maximilian Mittelstädt
Playing at his home stadium in Stuttgart, Mittelstädt will likely focus more on defense against speedy wingers like Dembélé and Cherki rather than pushing forward.
Right Forward: Leroy Sané
Sané didn’t have his best performance against Portugal, aside from a few creative moments. With Musiala sidelined, Germany needs him to step up offensively.
Striker: Niclas Füllkrug
Nick Woltemade started in the semifinal, but Füllkrug is expected to return to the XI. The West Ham striker is clinical for his country, with 14 goals in 23 appearances.
Left Forward: Florian Wirtz
Wirtz is attracting major attention, especially from Liverpool fans, with a transfer looking likely. He wasn’t distracted by the rumors—he scored against Portugal and could shine again versus France.
This third-place match might not be what Germany had in mind, but it still matters. It’s a chance to regroup, evaluate, and give their younger stars more experience on the big stage.
All eyes will be on Florian Wirtz, who’s quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. If he delivers again, fans—and scouts—will be watching very closely.
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