Scotland face Germany in the Euro 2024 opener looking to impress after a fine showing in qualification.
Playing in their first major overseas tournament since 1998, having finished bottom of Group D at Euro 2020, despite two matches at Hampden Park, the Tartan Army will be out in force and hoping to escape a difficult group, which also includes Switzerland and Hungary.
For Germany, finishing top of their group will be a minimum expectation as they carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders, but they will be wary in the opening game, even Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side were “a bit nervous” to face Scotland.
History does not fall in favour of Steve Clarke’s side, however. In the seven previous meetings between the national sides since 1992, there has only been one draw, with Germany winning all the other matches.
Follow all the build-up, latest team news and live action in the blog below:
Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more
Euro 2024 is upon us, as Germany hosts its first major men’s tournament since 2006 – with the national team seeking its first trophy in a decade.
Some fancy Julian Nagelsmann’s team to defy expectations on home soil, while there is naturally significant faith in France, as the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up.
Can England finally get over the line under Gareth Southgate, three years after losing the delayed Euro 2020 final to Italy at Wembley? And if so, will Harry Kane claim his second international Golden Boot?
Or will a younger star steal the spotlight, as clubs and coaches around Europe keep an eye out for the ‘next big thing’ in the summer transfer market?
Below, we predict the teams, players and moments that could define Euro 2024. Without further ado…
Jack Rathborn14 June 2024 08:06
Germany v Scotland: Team news and predicted line-ups
Germany’s buildup has gone reasonably well in fitness terms, though they did see Serge Gnabry ruled out before the tournament and opted to leave out Champions League finalist Mats Hummels. The biggest change this year, however, is the return of Toni Kroos from international retirement – on a short-term basis though, as he’ll be retiring from all football at the end of the Euros. Kai Havertz looks to have done enough to start up front, while Nagelsmann seems to have settled on a triumvirate of Ilkay Gundogan, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala behind him. Aleksandar Pavlovic was the only late withdrawal, through tonsilitis.
As for Scotland, they’ve been beset by misfortune. Lyndon Dykes was ruled out by injury soon after being named in the squad, Ben Doak didn’t make it because of his own one and Lewis Ferguson suffered an injury just before the end of the campaign. It certainly means there’s at least one place up for grabs in attack, with Che Adams or Lawrence Shankland battling for the starting role and the likes of John McGinn and Scott McTominay even more important in support.
GER – Ter Stegen, Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt, Kroos, Andrich, Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz, Havertz
SCO – Gunn, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney, Ralston, McTominay, McGregor, Gilmour, Robertson, McGinn, Adams
Jack Rathborn14 June 2024 08:03
Germany vs Scotland
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live blog on the first day of Euro 2024.
Stay tuned for all the build up, team news and latest from Munich as we build up to the opening match between Germany and Scotland from the Allianz Arena.
Scotland have not played in a major tournament overseas since 1998, while Germany will be under the pressure of expectation as tournament hosts.
Sonia Twigg13 June 2024 18:48