How will Germany line up against the Netherlands?

Joachim Löw gave a clear indication of Germany’s goals in tomorrow’s Nations League game against the Netherlands. Germany naturally wants to win its Nations League group and avoid relegation, but the team’s real goal is longer-term: qualification for the Euro 2020. Löw accordingly will field a strong lineup, but observers should understand that the process of rejuvenating and rebuilding the team after the World Cup disaster is the priority.

Team News

Löw revealed several details of tomorrow’s starting lineup at the press conference itself. Joshua Kimmich will play in the midfield, and his former position at right-back will be occupied by Matthias Ginter. Löw views this as the best way to introduce defensive stability into Germany’s midfield. Löw also explicitly stated that Thomas Müller will start.

Asked whether Jonas Hector will face competition from Hoffenheim’s Nico Schulz, since Hector is now playing with FC Köln in the 2. Bundesliga, Löw acknowledged Schulz’s talent but strongly suggested that he does not intend to demote Hector from the starting role he has held at left-back for the past two years.

Here are two lineups we at BFW think Löw might field tomorrow:

Chuck Smith

Tom Adams

John Dillon