Special correspondent in Dortmund
The atmosphere is heavy in Dortmund, both in terms of the thermometer and the atmosphere around the German selection. But Didier Deschamps and his players don’t care and will not hesitate to push a Mannschaft in total decay a little further on Tuesday evening (9 p.m.). To achieve this, the Blues coach should make at least five changes compared to the starting team which dominated Ireland (2-0) Thursday evening at the Parc des Princes as part of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. With the idea also of keeping a group under pressure and offering playing time to elements who play big in view of the summer meeting next June.
If Dayot Upamecano, who trained alone around the magnificent lawn of Signal Iduna Park, is still uncertain and could give way to Jean-Clair Todibo, the rest of the team composition seems clearer. Benjamin Pavard should replace Jules Koundé on the right, while William Saliba, in place of Lucas Hernandez, has a good card to play. On the left, his brother, Theo, should be faithful to the post. Deschamps counts on him to hurt the low block of the Germans. In the middle, the pair Aurélien Tchouaméni-Eduardo Camavinga will be launched. In attack, bonus to speed with Kylian Mbappé on the left, Kinglsey Coman on the right and Randal Kolo Muani in front. Antoine Griezmann is expected in support.
The probable starting lineup of the Bleus Maignan – Pavard, Saliba, Upamecano (or Todibo), T. Hernandez – Tchouaméni, Camavinga – Coman, Griezmann, Mbappé (cap) – Kolo Muani
