Germany manager Joachim Low is expected to deploy a three-man defence for his side's Euro 2020 opener against France in Munich on Tuesday night.
Die Mannschaft lined up with a trio of central defenders in their recent friendlies with Denmark and Latvia - although they still conceded in both games - and that rearguard should comprise Matthias Ginter, Antonio Rudiger and Mats Hummels.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen being ruled out of the tournament means that Manuel Neuer will retain his spot in goal unchallenged, and he could set a new record for the most games played by a goalkeeper at major international tournaments this summer, should Germany make it far enough.
The versatile Joshua Kimmich should take his spot on the right-hand side of Germany's midfield, with prolific Atalanta star Robin Gosens operating down the opposite flank for Die Mannschaft.
Leon Goretzka is working his way back from muscular problems but is highly unlikely to be fit in time for Tuesday, so Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan should pair up in the middle.
The bulk of Low's dilemmas come in the final third, as the Germany manager is under pressure to find the perfect partner for returning veteran Thomas Muller and the indispensable Serge Gnabry.
Leroy Sane and Timo Werner both came off the bench to net against Latvia, while Kevin Volland is another option in attack, but Kai Havertz could edge out his compatriots and keep hold of his starting berth.
Germany possible starting lineup: Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Kroos, Gundogan, Gosens; Havertz, Muller; Gnabry
France
Germany
Portugal
Hungary
