Team News: Mario Gomez handed Germany start against Northern Ireland

Mario Gomez will start at centre-forward for Germany in Tuesday's Euro 2016 Group C clash against Northern Ireland in Paris.

The experienced striker has replaced Julian Draxler in the first XI for the world champions, while there is a change at the back as Joshua Kimmich starts ahead of Benedikt Howedes, who has dropped to the bench.

Otherwise it is the same team that drew 0-0 with Poland last time out, although Gomez's introduction will see Mario Gotze revert to an attacking midfield role.

As for Northern Ireland, head coach Michael O'Neill has kept faith with the same team that recorded a 2-0 win over Ukraine last week.

As a result, Conor Washington will lead the line with support from Stuart Dallas and Jamie Ward, leaving their top scorer in qualifying, Kyle Lafferty, on the bench.

Brothers Jonny Evans and Corry Evans also both start for Northern Ireland, who will enter the match in third position in Group C, but just one point off section leaders Germany.

Northern Ireland: McGovern; Hughes, Cathcart, McAuley, J.Evans; C. Evans, Davis, Norwood; Ward, Dallas, Washington Subs: Carroll, Mannus, McLaughlin, Baird, McCulloch, McNair, Hodson, Ferguson, Magennis, McGinn, Grigg, Lafferty

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Ozil, Gotze, Muller; Gomez Subs: Leno, Ter Stegen, Mustafi, Höwedes, Tah, Schweinsteiger, Schurrle, Draxler, Can, Weigl, Sane, Podolski

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