Image source, AP

Bastian Schweinsteiger will captain Germany tonight - despite the fact that he hasn't started a game for club or country since 9 January.

A six-month lay off from the start. A big risk?

"I have the team in my head and Bastian Schweinsteiger will definitely start," Low, 56, said.

"The injury is cured and he showed against Italy he's got the strength to play from the start, and I believe he's very, very important, particularly in such a game - his experience is very valuable.

"We have three players - Mario Gomez, Sami Khedira and Mats Hummels - whom we have to replace, which is not easy, and this is why it is important that an experienced player like Bastian starts."

Image source, Getty Images

This is a bit of a surprise - Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is starting for Germany.

Full team news to follow. 

Steve Wilson
BBC One commentator at the Stade Velodrome

Image source, Getty Images

You may be interested, depressed or amused to recall that England have beaten both France and Germany in the last seven months...   

We should have confirmed team news for you before 19:00 BST. The German squad has arrived at the Stade Velodrome and are looking suitably relaxed and chipper, despite being jeered loudly by the France fans as they appeared on the big screen.

Who are favourites?

Image source, Reuters

Germany are without suspended defender Mats Hummels and the injured pair of Sami Khedira and Mario Gomez.

Bastian Schweinsteiger hurt his knee against Italy but returned to training on Wednesday and will start.

France coach Didier Deschamps has to decide whether to continue with Samuel Umtiti in defence or recall Adil Rami, who has completed a one-game ban.

Midfielder N'Golo Kante also returns after serving a suspension.

Deschamps has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with all 23 players training on Wednesday.

Image source, Getty Images

The last time Germany faced the host nation in the semi-finals of a major tournament they won 7-1. Their astonishing victory over Brazil two years ago was the seventh time they have eliminated a host nation at a World Cup or Euros - with six of those remarkably coming at the semi-final stage.

They have no respect for a party. 

Image source, Reuters

Dear Monsieur Deschamps; Herr Low,

Please hear our plea.

It has been a month since the start of Euro 2016.

We have seen many great stories, of underdogs outdoing themselves, of parties never-ending in Reykjavik and in Cardiff.

Image source, Reuters

First time wins for Albania and Northern Ireland, Robbie Brady brilliance for the Republic.

We have seen fleeting glimpses of genius, a strike from Payet, acrobatics from Shaqiri.

We have even seen the ending of one of life's constants - as German players missed in a penalty shootout.

Image source, Getty Images

In short, it's been OK.

We were baffled by the permutations of qualification, we played 36 group games to send eight teams home, but sure, it was fine.

But we haven't had a really great game of football.

A classic match to remember once Paris has been cleaned up, the Eiffel Tower has returned to normality and David Guetta's royalty cheques have been cashed.

Image source, Reuters

So, please. Make it tonight.

The hosts against the world champions. Two of the biggest names in football. Everything is set.

Do we have a deal?

Regards,

The optimist in us all...