He went on to state that Germany are not exactly underdogs ahead of Euro 2020’s, first truly tantalising fixture on Tuesday night, but it did present a little window into the psyche of a nation.

‘We have to pay the fans back,’ Neuer said. ‘France are top-class. We’re aware we need stability. We have to defend with passion. We’ll try to be courageous.’

After 15 years in charge, Germany manager, Joachim Low would be leaving at the end of the season that has seen a 6-0 shellacking in Spain and a shock home defeat by North Macedonia in their last competitive fixture.

‘It’s special to start against the reigning world champion,’ Low said. ‘It’s unusual to have a big opener like this. France’s talent is obvious but we have lots in our team, a good balance, a good mix in attack.

‘Not everything has been easy over the last two years for us, there have been difficult times. We’ve had a lot of meetings. You can feel in training that things are developing.

‘We’ve made good progress. We’re hungry and want success. This makes me confident and allows me to sleep well at night.’ low said at a press conference ahead of France clash.

Antonio Rudiger, a growing leader inside Germany’s camp, has suggested they will combat the fearsome French forwards with physicality.

Germany will operate ‘a little bit dirty,’ said Rudiger, ‘not always playing nice football’.

But Didier Deschamps believes that works both ways as they prepare to face three of Muller, Timo Werner, Leroy Sane or Serge Gnabry. ‘At this level, you get lots of duels,’ said the France manager. ‘Everyone throws everything at these games. Tomorrow will be no different.’