European Under-21 Championships: Germany-France, the likely lineups

Germany and France, two absolute household names in the history of world soccer, will see their respective Under-21 selections take on each other on Wednesday, June 25, at 9 p.m. at the Kosicka Futbalova Arena in Kosice, Slovakia, in a heartfelt match valid for the semifinals of the European Championships. Up for grabs is the finals, where the winner will face whoever manages to prevail in the’other big match between England and the Netherlands.

Germany will field a traditional 4-4-2, in which Weiper and Woltemade should be in charge of the attack. The heart of the maneuver will be in the hands of Martel and Reitz, with Gruda and Nebel on the flanks. In front of goalkeeper Atubolu, ready Rosenfelder and Arrey-Mbi in the center, Collins and Brown on the side lanes.

On paper more aggressive France, fielding a trident in which Tel should act in the center assisted by Odobert and Barry. In midfield Cissé, Agoumé and Lepenant, while Doukouré on the right and Merlin on the left are ready in defense. In front of goalkeeper Restes, Matsima and Lukeba are ready.

Probable lineups:

GERMANIA U21 (4-4-2): Atubolu; Collins, Rosenfelder, Arrey-Mbi, Brown; Gruda, Martel, Reitz, Nebel; Woltemade, Weiper.

FRANCE U21 (4-3-3): Restes; Doukouré, Matsima, Lukeba, Merlin; Cissé, Agoumé, Lepenant; Odobert, Tel, Barry.