World Cup 2018: Germany looks set for a successful title defence

#2 Defence

Rudiger is not guaranteed a starting place at the Mundial

The central defence alongside the goalkeeping position is Germany’s biggest strength and this is reflected in the team chosen to prosecute the World Cup defence. Bayern Munich trio: Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, and Nicklas Sule are on the plane to Russia and should provide the pair who will start most games at the World Cup.

Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter are the other centre-backs in the team. Both players will be expected to deputize at right-back if need be.

Germany is not the strongest nation when it comes to fullbacks and although Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is one of the best right-backs in world football, he is the only one in the team. Cologne’s Jonas Hector and Matthias Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin) will occupy the left back slot.

Make no mistake, with Neuer or Ter-Stegen behind this defence, scoring against the Germans at the World Cup is not going to be an easy task.