EURO 2016 TEAM PREVIEW: GROUP C - GERMANY

Tip: Finalists

Cult hero: Manuel Neuer is one hell of a confident lad. He’s not just content with patrolling his box, regular forays outside it with the ball at his feet often setting up potent attacks. He takes ice cool penalties too with amazing bravado and cools down by listening to AC/DC. What’s not to like!

Star player: Thomas Muller might not get the same plaudits as Neuer and Mesut Ozil, however his hard-working displays in the final third underpins everything Germany does. The Bayern Munich maverick buzzes about in his customary leggy fashion disrupting opposition defenders and scoring goals like clockwork, his nine in qualifying only bettered by Robert Lewandowski’s incredible 13 for Poland.

Player to watch: Considering the depth of talent Germany have in their youth system, it takes a special player to get everybody in Europe talking and Schalke winger Leroy Sane is currently one of the hottest tickets in town. He has a sweet left foot and touch to die for, the way he glides past defenders something to marvel, now all he needs to do is add more goals to his formidable arsenal.

How they qualified: Ironic that Germany face Poland again in their group after clashing in qualifying, their 2-0 reverse in Warsaw and subsequent draw against the Republic of Ireland nearly derailing their chances. They got back on track, though, to nick top spot and set up another major trophy chance.

Line-up prediction: Neuer, Howedes, Boateng, Hummels, Hector, Kroos, Khedira, Muller, Ozil, Draxler, Gomez