Klose in, Gotze out for Germany as Lahm returns to right-back against France

Joachim Low has announced his starting XI that will challenge France on Friday for a spot in the World Cup semi finals, with the Germany coach making a fair few changes in the wake of some tactical criticism.

The main talking point is the absence of Per Mertesacker, who appears to have been dropped to accommodate Philipp Lahm's return to right-back, a switch that many had hoped to see going into the clash against Les Bleus.



Also omitted is Mario Gotze, who struggled to put his mark on matches despite being in fine form at club level. In his place, Germany's record goalscorer Miroslav Klose is being looked at to provide the goals as he leads the line.

Behind Klose, Thomas Muller will likely play wide right, with Toni Kroos in the centre of attacking midfield and Mesut Ozil on the left. Furhter back again, Real Madrid's Sami Khedira will form a double-pivot with Bastian Schweinsteiger in defensive midfield.

Germany Starting XI: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Ozil; Klose