Two European heavyweights come together on Friday when Germany take on Spain in Düsseldorf. The defending World Champions, are in good shape and have not tasted defeat in their last 21 international games.

 
Joachim Löw has elected for a squad full of established players, the notable absentees are the Dortmund duo of Mario Götze, who scored the winner in 2014 final and Marco Reus who has recently returned from a serious ankle ligament injury.

Germany practically used a second sting in last summer’s Confederations Cup, underlining the strength of Die Mannschaft heading into the World Cup. Now heading into their final preparation games, Löw will be casting his high over the squad to determine who will get the starting nod against Mexico in Germany's opening game of the tournament. 

Whilst for Spain, Julen Lopetegui hands a first cap to Chelsea wing-back Marcus Alonso after his standout season with Chelsea. Whilst Alonso’s team-mates Cesc Fabregas & Alvaro Morata have been dropped for this round of friendlies. With Chelsea misfiring in the Premier League this season, it will certainly be a concern that they have not been included in this round of crucial friendlies. 

One man who will be looking to capitalise on the absence of Morata is former Chelsea striker Diego Costa. After an acrimonious split with the Blues Costa has looked a different player since his January move to Atletico Madrid. Three goals in ten league starts have been enough to convince Lopetegui to select the striker, a strong showing against the world champions could well confirm his place in the side come the start of the World Cup. 

It certainly promises to be an interesting encounter when Germany take on Spain. You can watch all the action via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.