France vs Germany: 5 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Karim Benzema (France) vs Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Karim Benzema in back in action for France

Real Madrid's talisman Karim Benzema is set to feature in his first major international tournament since the 2014 World Cup. Reports suggested a minor issue with his knee but he has declared himself 100% fit for his nation's first match at Euro 2020.

Karim Benzema is BACK in the France squad 💪The Real Madrid forward has been named in the 26-man panel for Euro 2020 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/CVb6QzDUPH

— Goal (@goal) May 18, 2021

Benzema's relationship with France has been filled with controversy but there is no denying the fact that he deserves to lead the line for Les Bleus after his recent performances. The 33-year old is confident and believes he still has a lot to offer and will be hoping for a dream return on the international stage.

Benzema's intelligent runs and awareness in the box might fool the defenders but he still has to get the better of Manuel Neuer. Germany has a talented and composed leader between the sticks who will never back down from any challenge. These two are surely going to be involved throughout the game and it will be a key match-up.

#2 Kylian Mbappe (France) vs Antonio Rudiger (Germany)

Kylian Mbappe will be one of France's biggest threats in attac

There is nothing wrong in claiming that when Kylian Mbappe takes the pitch, he is the biggest threat to the opposition defense. The golden boy of football is one of the best players in the modern-game at just 22 years of age. With his scintillating pace, directness and finishing, he will be key for France's chances like he was three years ago when they won the World Cup.

Up against Mbappe would be Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger who has resurrected his career under new boss Thomas Tuchel. He has been world-class in a three-man defense for Chelsea and Low is likely to opt for a three-man defence with Rudiger on the left. It promises to be an interesting battle as stopping Mbappe is no easy task but Rudiger has passed every test with flying colors in recent months.

#1 N’Golo Kante (France) vs Toni Kroos (Germany)

N'golo Kante will be vital for France in this summer's tournament

It has been a wonderful few months for the ever-smiling N'golo Kante. He bossed every midfield Chelsea came up against during their European triumph and will look to do the same for his national team.

The midfield duo of Kante and Pogba has consistently worked well for Didier Deschamps's team set-up as they complement each other perfectly. It is evident that Kante has grown as a player and is much more than just a ball-winning midfielder. While that remains his key strength, the 30-year old has a lot more to offer.

The midfield battle between Kante and Kroos will be significant, like it was when they met in the Champions League semi-final. Kroos remains Germany's best passer and it will be Kante who will have to make sure Kroos doesn't get much time on the ball. Midfield battles win you games and this one might decide the outcome of the game.