How they qualified: Finished 1st in European Qualifying Group A (Perfect Record)

Team Base: Gdansk

Arguably the strongest side going into the tournament, the runners up of the 2008 tournament are no longer considered a young plucky team filled with wonderkids. They’re now the real deal.

A fourth European Championship trophy is being predicted for Joachim Low’s side and few would bet against the firepower and quality they possess going forward, while a sturdy back four anchored by Phillip Lahm will prove a very difficult group to break down.

Old hand Miroslav Klose could have played for the host nation Poland, but German football is thanking its lucky stars (all three of them on the shirt) that the man of Polish decent chose not to, as he closes in on Gerd Muller’s international goal scoring record of 68 goals.

Talent runs through the squad and the strength in depth will be important in the later stages of the tournament as injuries and bookings take their toll.

They’re favorites for a reason and few can look past one of the most exciting teams on the planet.

WFD Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1

Neuer

 Boateng - Hummels - Badstuber - Lahm

 Schweinsteiger - Khedira

Muller - Ozil - Podolski

Klose

WFD predicted group finish: 1st

Germany Group Schedule: (All times local)

Match 1: June 9 v Portugal - Arena Lviv, Lviv (21:45)

Match 2: June 13 v Netherlands - Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv (21:45)

Match 3: June 17 v Denmark - Arena Lviv, Lviv (21:45)