Germany and France will face off this afternoon in the UEFA Nations League third-place playoff, a consolation prize after both suffered heartbreaking defeats in their respective semi-finals. While neither team will lift the trophy, pride, momentum, and a podium finish are still at stake.
The match, set to take place at Stuttgart’s MHPArena, will feature several Premier League transfer targets, adding an extra layer of intrigue for club scouts and fans alike.
Match Overview
Competition: UEFA Nations League 2025 (Third-Place Playoff)
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:00 PM BST
Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart
How to Watch: Amazon Prime (UK – Pay-per-view £2.49)
Road to the Third-Place Match
Germany lost 2-1 to Portugal despite taking an early lead, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s late heroics sealing their fate.
France fell in a thrilling 5-4 defeat to Spain**, failing to mount a comeback despite a valiant effort.
Now, both teams must regroup quickly to avoid ending their Nations League campaign empty-handed.
Key Storylines
1. Battle of Redemption
Neither Germany nor France expected to be in this position. For Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany, this is a chance to prove their semi-final collapse was a fluke. For Didier Deschamps’ France, it’s an opportunity to salvage pride after their high-scoring defeat.
2. Premier League Transfer Watch
Several players in this match are linked with big-money moves to England:
Mike Maignan (France) → Chelsea – The AC Milan goalkeeper is a top target for the Blues.
Florian Wirtz (Germany) → Liverpool – The dynamic midfielder, who scored in the semi-final, is on the Reds’ radar.
Rayan Cherki (France) → Manchester City – The Lyon playmaker could make his first senior start for France, with City monitoring him closely.
3. Tactical Adjustments
Germany may rotate, giving minutes to fringe players like Chris Führich or Nico Schlotterbeck.
France could hand opportunities to youngsters like Cherki or Elye Wahi in attack.
Predicted Lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1)
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen
DEF: Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, David Raum
MID: Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala
ATT: Florian Wirtz, İlkay Gündoğan, Leroy Sané
ST: Kai Havertz
France (4-3-3)
GK: Mike Maignan
DEF: Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, Theo Hernandez
MID: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot
ATT: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Rayan Cherki
Key Players to Watch
Germany
Florian Wirtz – The creative spark in midfield, capable of unlocking defenses.
Kai Havertz – Will look to exploit France’s backline with his movement.
Toni Kroos – His passing range could dictate the tempo.
France
Kylian Mbappé – Always a threat with his blistering pace and finishing.
Mike Maignan – A strong performance could solidify his Chelsea transfer.
Rayan Cherki – If given a chance, his flair could be decisive.
How to Watch
UK: Amazon Prime (Pay-per-view, £2.49)
No extra-time – If tied after 90 minutes, it goes straight to penalties.
Conclusion
While not the final they hoped for, Germany vs France promises to be an exciting encounter with top talents, transfer drama, and national pride on the line. Who will secure third place? Tune in to find out!
Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments!
