World Cup 2018 is now just a matter of days away and several major contenders have already landed in Russia after they completed their final warm-up matches.

But how are they shaping up? Which players are in form and will the head coaches be forced into any last-minute tactical tweaks?

Here, we review where Germany find themselves ahead of Sunday’s Group F-opener against Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium:

FRIENDLY RESULTS

The World Cup holders roared to a perfect 10 wins from 10 qualifiers, yet they headed into Friday’s final warm-up against Saudi Arabia on the back of a five-match winless streak. This followed the 2-1 loss at neighbours Austria on June 2. Unsurprisingly, the Saudis were downed 2-1. But Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos bemoaned their sloppy play at BayArena.

WHO IS IN FORM AND WHO IS IN A SLUMP?

RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner appears to have ended the debate about whether he or Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller should start up top in the 4-2-3-1 formation. His predatory goal against the Saudis should have sealed his starting spot, with Muller on the right. A nagging knee injury for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil remains a worry.

TACTICAL TWEAKS

Germany appear a settled outfit. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer started both this month’s friendlies after an injury ravaged 2017/18. At centre-back, head coach Joachim Low has given Niklas Sule opportunities against both Austria and the Saudis to break up the Mats Hummels-Jerome Boateng axis he also disrupted at club level during 2017/18.

BURNING QUESTION

The only nagging doubt for Low ahead of Sunday’s kick-off in Group F against Mexico will be how his injured contingent holds up when the serious action begins. Neuer got 135 minutes under his belt, but saw Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen save a penalty against the Saudis. Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus filled in well for Ozil on Friday in a central role.