England v Germany is the Nations League Week 6 match for Monday at 20:45: TV, line-ups and predictions
The two big disappointments of League Group 3. That’s right. Because first place, the only place to snatch a pass to the Final Four, was initially supposed to be a matter between them. Instead, England and Germany – the former sadly relegated to League B, the latter now without any objective – find themselves on the last day of the group stage to challenge each other in a sort of friendly that will only serve the two technical commissioners to make some experiments in view of the imminent World Cup in Qatar. In fact, Gareth Southgate and Hansi Flick’s heads are already turned towards the World Cup which will be staged in just under two months in the Middle East.
England’s Nations League – fresh from a scintillating qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022, which they won well in advance – has been hugely disappointing. The Three Lions have never won, the only positive results being draws against Germany and Italy, and, as if that were not enough, they also suffered a humiliating defeat at Wembley against Hungary, who overwhelmed them 4-0 last June. The San Siro match against the Azzurri, which was decided by a fine goal from Raspadori, therefore sanctioned the relegation of Kane and his team-mates, who will be playing against lower-ranked teams in the next Nations League. Southgate made no dramas, but it remains inexplicable how a team with several quality players managed to score barely a goal in six games. Also licking their wounds is Germany, whose only victory was the resounding 5-2 win over Italy three and a half months ago. The Mannschaft ran into their first defeat of the Flick management on Friday, unexpectedly falling at home against Hungary (0-1) and breaking a long positive streak.
The Prediction
A noble challenge, always keenly felt by both sides but which, however, will count for nothing for the purposes of this Nations League classification, as the games are already closed for both. The two selectors could therefore take advantage of it to refine something and especially test some players, considering that the World Cup is just around the corner. Without a lot of pressure, the result could be a lively and entertaining match, in which both sides are likely to score at least one goal each.
England v Germany line-up probables
- England (3-4-3): Ramsdale; Stones, Tomori, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Chilwell; Mount; Kane, Sterling.
- GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Hofmann, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Musiala, Muller, Sané; Havertz.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
