Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker:
With EURO 24 officially getting underway on Friday night, Germany will welcome Scotland to Munich for their first Group A showdown.
Germany
Starting with the hosts, suffering another World Cup nightmare out in Qatar 18 months ago as they failed to progress out of the group stage, Germany have a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders this summer. However, although the European giants might have automatically booked booked their spot at this summer’s tournament as the host nation, they do appear to have turned a recent corner under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann. Signing off their pre-EURO 24 preparations with a comeback at home against Greece as they secured a 2-1 victory at Borussia-Park, Friday’s hosts will be looking to make an early statement of intent in Munich. Enjoying their longest unbeaten run over the past two years, it won’t be a surprise to many that the former RB Leipzig boss finds his side installed as a landslide contender here.
Team News
Although former Manchester City star Leroy Sane might have been dealing with a recent injury issue, the 28-year-old did make a second-half appearance against Greece earlier in the week and should make a full return on Friday night. Notching 13 Premier League goals with Arsenal last season, Kai Hevertz could be deployed in a false nine role here.
While Tony Kroos might have officially announced his Real Madrid exit following their Champions League success at Wembley on June 1st, the Los Blancos icon has been included in Germany’s squad and will earn a 110th cap in Munich.
Scotland
As for the visitors, while Scotland might have gained a string of plaudits last year as they stormed their way to this summer’s European Championships, Steve Clarke’s men do have the feel of a squad seeking some much-needed stability. Signing off their pre-EURO 24 preparations with a downbeat 2-2 stalemate at home against Finland, the Tartan Army will be more than aware that they face another monumental challenge here. Failing to progress out of the group stage in any of their four historic European Championship adventures, Scotland have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions a run that stems back to September 8th. Opening 2024 with a routine 4-0 drumming at the hands of Holland, Clarke’s side couldn’t have asked for a tougher maiden challenge on Friday night.
Team News
Picking up a training ground injury last week, QPR striker Lyndon Dykes has been forced to withdraw from Scotland’s squad and will not feature at this summer’s European Championships. Finding the net against Finland earlier in the week and recording 24 Premiership goals with Hearts last season, Lawrence Shankland could be handed the nod and lead Clarke’s side here.
Playing a crucial role as Aston Villa booked a famous Champions League ticket last season, John McGinn will start at the heart of Clarke’s midfield on Friday night and earn a 67th international cap in Munich.
Key Factors to Consider
