France
Paul Pogba
The Juventus midfielder, who has been linked to major moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United will have only one thing on his mind at this moment in time and that's to guide France to Euros glory. The 23 year old has been criticised in the past by French magazines for his performances for France however thus far his displays, most recently against Iceland, have been professional and of a high quality. Pogba was under fire for failing to keep it simple and losing possession easily due to fancy tricks however that's what makes the central midfielder such a high target for European giants. Pogba's explosive ability to change a game and create a chance from nothing leaves Manchester United fans scratching their heads as to why the midfield maestro was let go in 2012. Whilst Pogba hasn't hit top gear for France it's clear he possesses the potential to rack up goals and assists aplenty, especially against a Germany team missing their defensive shield in Sami Khedira who went off injured against Italy. Deschamps will be hoping Pogba brings his A-game to Marseille in an attempt to unlock a German defence yet to concede from open play.
Dimitri Payet
West Ham's star man has now become France's star man after a collection of displays oozing with confidence and flair. Payet has produced 5 goals and assists this campaign in total, only bettered by peer and rival for the Golden Boot, Antoine Griezmann. The 29 year old will be facing Bayern Munich's Kimmich come Thursday night. Kimmich is in fact a utility man - usually a central midfielder the 21 year old has put in some honourable shifts for the Germans at right back. Nevertheless expect France to try and exploit the right back's inexperience with Payet's dazzling step overs and wicked delivery. France will almost certainly try and get the ball to Payet at every opportunity, most of all if a free kick comes about.
Antoine Griezmann
The forward with a €100 million release cause has gone about proving his worth after leading the goals and assists chart with 6 despite not starting against neither Albania nor Switzerland. Griezmann has dropped just behind Giroud as a CAM in what has resulted in an invaluable partnership as the two forwards play off one others flicks and knock downs, epitomised in Griezmann's 2nd goal against the Republic of Ireland and once again vs Iceland. Griezmann is all but guaranteed to start against the Germans, who are missing key central defender Matt Hummels, Griezmann will hope to exploit this vulnerability and add to his already impressive scoring record.
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