Germany vs Spain Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
By Mitch Wilks
This international 'break' feels a bit weird, doesn't it?
Usually, the first break of the season disrupts the domestic league just as it begins to get underway, but with the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic delaying the 2020/21 season, the Nations League group stages are happening early. Before the seaso--shut up, the Community Shield doesn't count--before the season's even started.
It's made international football feel that little bit more bearable, especially considering the first day of fixtures delivers a battle of two heavyweights.
Germany face Spain in Group A4 on 3 September, with both sides desperate to get off to a strong start following disappointing efforts in more recent major tournaments. Both nations are on the up again, and each possess a strong roster of talent, which should make for an intriguing clash.
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? Thursday 3 September
What Time Is Kick Off? 19:45 (BST)
Where Is it Played? Mercedes-Benz Arena, Germany
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports
Referee? Daniele Orsato
Team News
New Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane makes his return to Die Mannschaft, having not made the squad since June 2019 after rupturing his ACL.
A number of his Bayern teammates miss out on the squad though, having recently capped off a successful season by winning the Champions League. Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry have all been left out, as have Dortmund's Marco Reus and RB Leipzig's Lucas Klostermann.
Chelsea newboy Timo Werner is in the squad and is expected to lead the line, while midfielder Kai Havertz also makes the squad as he waits for his move to Stamford Bridge to be confirmed.
For Spain, Sergio Reguilon, Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres all make the cut and could make their senior debuts as head coach Luis Enrique looks to incorporate some younger faces into the senior setup.
Adama Traore misses out on the squad having returned a positive COVID-19 test, stopping him from making his senior debut for La Roja.
Predicted Lineups
Germany: Leno; Kehrer, Sule, Koch, Gosens; Gundogan, Kroos; Havertz, Brandt, Sane; Werner.
Spain: Kepa; Carvajal, Ramos, Llorente, Reguilon; Busquets, Thiago, Fabian Ruiz; Asensio, Rodrigo, Torres.
'Recent' Form
'Recent' is a term always used lightly in an international sense, but even more so with the effects of the ongoing pandemic.
Germany last played in November 2019, closing out their Euro 2020 - now Euro 2021 - qualifiers with a 6-1 thrashing of Northern Ireland. Julian Brandt was on the scoresheet, but Serge Gnabry bagged a hat-trick and Leon Goretzka a brace. Neither of them are in the squad this time round.
Their qualifying campaign was a breeze, and even though it was 10 months ago at this point, it showed that Joachim Low's side looked rejuvenated following a dismal 2018 World Cup that saw them finish bottom of their group and fail to make the knockout stages.
Spain also enjoyed a dominant Euro 2020 qualifying campaign last year, albeit not to the same heights as their opponents. Their last outing was a 5-0 victory at home against Romania.
Form won't mean much heading into this one, but here are each side's last five results.
Germany
Germany 6-1 Northern Ireland (19/11/19)
Germany 4-0 Belarus (16/11/19)
Estonia 0-3 Germany (13/10/19)
Northern Ireland 0-2 Germany (9/9/19)
Germany 2-4 Netherlands (6/9/19)
Spain
Spain 5-0 Romania (18/11/19)
Spain 7-0 Malta (15/11/19)
Sweden 1-1 Spain (15/10/19)
Norway 1-1 Spain (12/10/19)
Spain 4-0 Faroe Islands (8/9/19)
Prediction
If any international fixtures over the coming break are going to be an exciting watch, this one has potential.
Both sides have strong squads - even with big names missing - and it's a chance for fans to see players make an impact before heading to their new club, and for younger players to show what they're capable of.
There won't be too much in it, with both nations not actually playing in so long, but Germany still edge Spain in terms of overall quality. Joachim Low's side will just about come out on top in this Group A4 clash.
Prediction: Germany 3-2 Spain