It was our French players who left Munich with the bragging rights and the three points after a hard-fought 1-0 victory. In a group also containing the competition’s holders Portugal, this was a big step forward taken by the favourites ahead of a trip to Budapest to play Hungary on Saturday.

N’Golo Kante started for the French at the base of a diamond, with Toni Rudiger lining up on the left of the German back three. Kai Havertz was deployed in an attacking midfield position with license to roam in forward positions when Germany had possession.

It was France who took the lead midway through the first half when Mats Hummels could only turn Lucas Hernandez’s cross into his own net. Joachim Low’s side enjoyed a few bright moments without truly threatening Hugo Lloris’ goal before the break, Kante among those stifling the German attack.

France could have doubled their advantage early in the second half when Adrien Rabiot hit a post. Down the other end, as Germany enjoyed a period of dominance leading up to the hour mark, Serge Gnabry bounced a volley beyond Lloris but onto the roof of the net.

Timo Werner was introduced for Gnabry with a little under 20 minutes remaining. Havertz, who had occasionally threatened in the final third, made way for Leroy Sane at the same time.

France had two goals disallowed for offside late on as they hit Germany on the counter with the pace of Kylian Mbappe, but their lack of efficiency in front of goal mattered not as they secured a vital victory in Group F.

Kurt Zouma and Olivier Giroud were unused subs for Didier Deschamps’ side. Germany meanwhile host Portugal on Saturday in a fixture that could go a long way to deciding who finishes second in the group and possibly meets England in the round of 16.