Who faces Poland tonight? Germany’s strongest XI for the Euros | OneFootball

Who is ahead on which position before Germany's European Championship opener against Poland (July 4, 9 p.m.) and where could there be changes in the starting lineup of the DFB women depending on the opponents?

Goalkeeper

Between the posts, there is a clear number one in this European Championship, and that's Ann-Katrin Berger. At the latest after her saves and a converted penalty at the Olympic Games last year, Germany's opponents will want to avoid making decisions from the spot. Above all, Berger brings coolness on the ball and precise, long throws and clearances as qualities. She gives the defense in front of her security and can also be played under pressure.

Outside Defense

On the right, captain Giulia Gwinn is set. If she needs a break, Carlotta Wamser could step in as a more offensive option, or Sophia Kleinherne, who has her strengths in central defense.

On the left defensive side, Sarai Linder had a mediocre season at VfL Wolfsburg, but due to her routine, she has the edge over Franziska Kett, who could be an alternative in special situations, similar to Wamser on the right.

Central Defense

In the middle, Janina Minge and Rebecca Knaak complement each other: Minge sometimes shows that she's actually a midfielder, but she regulates the build-up play very well, solves a lot with her eye, and is agile when it comes to blocking shots. Knaak is tall, strong in the air, and very dangerous in front of goal on set pieces. She can also be well integrated into the build-up play, but is quite slow.

This is also the general weakness of this defense, which is why counter-attacks should be intercepted beforehand. This could become relevant in Germany's opening game against Poland with the lightning-fast Ewa Pajor.

Midfield

In midfield, Sjoeke Nüsken and Elisa Senß have established themselves, and the latter is indispensable from the starting lineup because, without Lena Oberdorf in the squad, there is no player with a comparable bite in duels. She is very important to free up everyone else's back and is also a mobile engine.

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In contrast, Nüsken is usually more offensively oriented, has a large radius of action as a connecting player, and is responsible for the penultimate passes – for example, to Linda Dallmann, who seemed to be heading for an absolute top summer before the European Championship.

Wück has already expressed several times that her position is one that could be occupied differently more frequently, depending on the opponents.

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With Dallmann, if dribbling, overview, and precise, deadly passes are needed. Or with Laura Freigang, if a finisher is sought who goes into slightly different spaces than Dallmann. Sara Däbritz could be needed if balance is required against opponents who create a lot of pressure and want to have a lot of possession.

Attack

The two offensive outside positions are clearly assigned, Klara Bühl is set on the left and was recently in outstanding form, and Jule Brand is also a difference-maker on the right, whose importance for the defense should not be overlooked: Brand always goes a long way back and gets involved in duels. Because the outside positions are so physically demanding, there will probably be regular substitutions in the second half, so Cora Zicai, Carlotta Wamser, or Franziska Kett will likely get minutes.

The center-forward position goes without a doubt to Lea Schüller. The FC Bayern Munich striker was efficient in front of goal in the last Nations League appearances, she is strong with both her head and foot, and knows how to evade her opponents' defense. At the same time, she is also a good playmaker.

After Alexandra Popp's retirement, international observers are now focusing on Schüller again, as the tournament is also about her as Popp's successor. Giovanna Hoffmann or Selina Cerci are the alternatives.

Starting Lineup:

Is this lineup a title contender? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 FOCKE STRANGMANN - AFP or licensors