Pragmatism the decider?

France and Germany will face off in an UEFA Nations League encounter tonight and surely the two most recent world champions will both look to shake off their recent disappointments with a win. France salvaged a late 2-2 draw in their friendly with Iceland, whilst Germany were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Netherlands in the Nations League.

Les Bleus top Group A with four points from the opening two games, whilst Germany own a solitary point from their first two fixtures -- which came in the reverse fixture between the sides that ended 0-0.

Germany will have quite a job on their hands today though as they will have to quell the threat of one of the most in form players in world football right now, Ballon d'Or nominee Kylian Mbappe, who already has eight goals to his name this season and scored the equalising penalty in the draw with Iceland.

Mbappe's speed and directness pose a threat for any full back, so left-back Jonas Hector will have to be on top form if he hopes to keep him quiet

Joachim Loew may also be looking to make changes to his side following their defeat against the Netherlands. Leroy Sane has been recalled to the squad following his World Cup omission and could offer something different to the starting eleven.

However, Didier Deschamps's pragmatic approach in big games, which has done wonders for France as evidenced by their final appearance at Euro 2016 and their World Cup triumph in Russia, makes it hard to losing to a Germany team seemingly bereft of form.