Reigning World Cup champions Germany will arrive in France hungry for more silverware but Tribalfootball predicts they may not do enough to won their fourth European title.
With a wealth of talent going forward, the German's main concern is at the back.
Lacking versatile defenders, and with Antonio Rudiger going down with a knee injury on Tuesday, they will have to rely on the staunch strength of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels in the middle with Jonas Hector the only proven left or right sided defender.
They do of course have the world's best goalkeeper between the sticks in Manuel Neuer to add some much needed assurance at the back.
Currently ranked fourth in the world, Euro2016 is Germany's chance to remind the world why they were declared World Cup winners in Brazil in 2014.
Unfortunately for them, we see Die Mannschaft living up to their current ranking, eliminated in the semi-finals.
Germany
(Die Mannschaft)
HEAD COACH: Joachim Low
TRIBAL'S TOP 3:Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller
WILDCARD:Leroy Sane. The 20-year-old midfielder had a stellar season with FC Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, grabbing eight goals and six assists. Should provide plenty of enthusiasm and quality off the bench.
HISTORY: Euro Champions 1972, 1980, 1996, Runners-up 2008, Third 2012
OVERVIEW:
After a less than fantastic qualifying campaign, Germany will have to live up to their mantle as big game performers with group stage clashes in the form of Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine awaiting them. It's hard seeing Germany stumble against these teams, especially after their measured 2-0 pre-tournament win over Hungary.
From here Germany will likely play Wales in the round of 16, who even with Gareth Bale will struggle to trip up Joachim Low's charges. In the quarters, we foresee a battle with Belgium that they will ultimately prevail in, followed by a semi-final exit at the hands of their French hosts.
Germany have a wealth of attackers to choose from for Euro2016 but were forced to omit Borussia Dortmund striker Marco Reus late on due to injury worries. This omission leaves them with just three out and out strikers in the form of Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller.
In midfield there's a nice mixture of youth and experience with Mesut Ozil, Andre Schurrle, Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira the likely starters ahead of a very promising bench of midfielders ready to support.
As mentioned, the German defence is lacking versatility but even when it's breached, Neuer is sure to make life difficult for opposing teams trying to find the back of the German net.
Expect a team full of giants from Germany, but a team that might just fall short of adding to their 2014 World Cup, if they are unsuccessful in their forecast semi-final showdown with the French.
TRIBAL'S FINAL SAY: Semi-finalists
