Alan Shearer
Ex-England captain on BBC One

Germany have only conceded once - from a penalty - but that is partly because of poor finishing and good keeping. They have struggled with picking men up at crosses. 

They’ll face that tonight with Olivier Giroud in the team, France will put crosses in for him. They will be tested tonight.

There's a lot to be said for that group mentality, it works as both a positive or a negative. If you ever have the good fortune to watch a penalty shootout in Germany you'll see what I mean.

No nerves. Just absolute expectation. We will win!

Image source, EPA

Danny Mills
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

The Germans relish matches like this, that challenge. We've seen other teams, like England, become fearful in situations like these. The Germans love it. 'This is it now, the pinnacle. Can I win it?'

Bastian Schweinsteiger will now be tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for most Euro semi-finals appearances (three).

Lukas Podolski could also join them if he comes on. He's more of a mascot these days. 

Image source, Getty Images

Thierry Henry
Former France international on BBC One

Since the beginning of the tournament, Didier Deschamps isn’t fazed about who he leaves out. They got a good performance against Iceland so he doesn’t want to change it. Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann have been on the bench earlier in the tournament. N'Golo  Kante is on the bench now and that’s the way it is. It’s a team effort.

Phillip: An early goal would be crucial to ensure victory. I think there will be only one goal in this. Germany to win it

Purple Tentacle: Muller doesn't seem to be too bothered that he hasn't scored yet. A proper team player with a great work ethic.

Image source, AFP

Are there many better defenders in the world right now than Jerome Boateng? I saw him play in the flesh earlier in the tournament and I hadn't realised just how good he was on the ball. Pinging 60-yard passes like Beckham.

Danny Mills
Ex-England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Samuel Umtiti didn't really have anything to do against Iceland and in the second half I thought he looked a bit exposed. It's a bit of a gamble, not bringing Adil Rami back. 

Germany's defence isn't great either though. Without Hummels, Boateng is the only really strong and aggressive one in there. I think whoever defends best wins tonight.

Chris Waddle
Former England winger at Stade Velodrome on BBC Radio 5 live

France are not going to get a better chance than this. I fancied Germany, but with Hummels, Gomez and Khedira out, I would say France are favourites.

A France player hasn't scored past Germany in a major finals since 1982...

Image source, Reuters

Thomas Muller certainly has the credentials, he's scored 10 goals in World Cups, but tonight his nation may need him to come to the party.

No goals at the Euros yet. No Mario Gomez. No Mario Gotze.

Time to step up...

Johnny Murf: I'm gonna miss the #bbceuro2016, external theme tune when this is all over...

Natasha Louise Sporn: This is so the final that never was. 

John McEnerney: Only a Frenchman would bet against the Germans. Even without an out-and-out number nine, they'll run the France back four ragged. Thomas Muller to turn up.

With two games to go I'd suggest that the title of player of the tournament is still very up for grabs. Up to you now, the big stars in Marseille. 

Mark Taylor: Schweinsteiger and Can coming in suggests to me that the German bench is not as strong as days of old.

John in Teesside: I'm on Griezmann first goal early on and Germany 2-1 up at half-time. Payet with two in the second half and France win it 3-2. 

Mark Robinson: I say 0-0 but with 25 shots on goal from both teams with goalkeepers showing why they're with the best in the world. 

Half an hour to go. Not long till we hear two of the best three anthems in Europe and get this show on the road.

*Italy, of course.

BBC One

Tonight's game is live on BBC One, with coverage starting now.

Former France striker Thierry Henry and ex-England internationals Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand are in the studio with Gary Lineker.

Steve Wilson and Martin Keown are the commentary team at the Velodrome.

You can watch it all in this page, if you are in the UK.

It's the big French hug-off again, each player hugs the other 22 members of the squad.

Last time we had a few maths geniuses on to tell me how many individual hugs that is. Was it 512?

I never did listen in class. It looks a scorcher of an evening in Marseille. Dimitri Payet is on familiar turf and he got a noticeably loud cheer when he appeared on the big screen. 

Image source, AFP

World champions or hosts? It's tricky to call who starts as favourites tonight.

The bookies say France are very, very slight favourites. Generally available at 15/8 while Germany are around 2/1.

So nothing in it. 

Image source, Reuters