SCOUTING REPORT

Manager Joachim Low

Low deserves plenty of credit for what he has achieved in 15 years at the helm but he may have overstayed his welcome. He seems unsure of his defence and the high line with which he likes to play is an accident waiting to happen.

Record P 192 W 122 D 38 L 32

All games

Strengths

• A wealth of midfield depth

• Three home group matches

• Recalled veterans add some crucial big-game experience

Weaknesses

• Defensive fragility

• Striker Timo Werner may be low on confidence

• A lack of width

Prospects

France and Portugal are perhaps better picks to finish in the top two positions but Germany’s depth should see them at least advance as one of the best third-placed teams. They have the quality to prove their doubters wrong.

Inside info

Andreas Wagner Journalist

This is being built as Joachim Low’s farewell tour, as he steps down at the end of the Euros after the World Cup debacle in 2018. It is clear that the outgoing coach has a strong squad and, if the team can build around the returnee Mats Hummels and manage to assert themselves, the tournament can be a success.