Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Kevin Trapp, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira to come into Germany XI vs. France

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is set to start for Germany when they take on France in Cologne on Tuesday night, while Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira will also return to the starting lineup following the 0-0 draw with England on Friday.

With only two more friendlies to be played against Spain and Brazil next spring ahead of selecting their preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, reigning champions Germany next meet with co-favourites France.

After being held to a goalless draw against England at Wembley, Germany head coach Joachim Low expects to face an attacking French side.

"They have a lot of quality and depth in attack. And they have players in midfield and defence going into attack too. They will certainly be more dangerous than the English on Friday," Low said.

"They were already good in 2014, were even better in 2016 and have again made a step forward now. And this is connected to the coach [Didier Deschamps]. Moreover, they are doing great work in their academies."

But Low does not expect France "to put all the cards on the table" on Tuesday, just like Germany, who want to continue experimenting ahead of the World Cup.

"Kevin Trapp will be in goal, and Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos will start," Low said, adding that he will make more decisions following their final training session on Monday afternoon.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze is also expected to return to the team after remaining an unused substitute in the England draw.

Trapp is one of three keepers vying for the two spots behind captain Manuel Neuer, once the injured Bayern Munich man returns from injury next spring.

And despite not playing for PSG this season, with Alphonse Areola preferred ahead of him, Low said that "Kevin made a good impression in training and knows the French well."

He added: "We have a good feeling about this, and want to hand him this chance."

While not confirming Manchester City winger Leroy Sane's involvement on Tuesday, Low reserved some special praise for him.

"Players like Leroy Sane can make the difference," Low said. "He's become more physical in Premier League, and is an important player for City, starts regularly. He improved his situation in the national team, and the way he plays can be very important for us."

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