Germany raced into the lead in their friendly with France courtesy of a goal from Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

Nearly three years after announcing his retirement from international football, Toni Kroos returned to the starting XI for his country at the Groupama Stadium.

Immediately following kick-off, the Real Madrid star played a lofted through ball towards an onrushing Wirtz who began driving forward.

After collecting the pass, Wirtz uncorked a thunderous strike from outside the box leaving France goalkeeper Brice Samba rooted to his feet as the ball flew into the top corner.

The goal marks Wirtz’s first at international level after making his senior debut for Germany back in 2021.

Wirtz’s performances in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side has seen the 20-year-old courted by multiple Premier League clubs.

In November reports claimed Liverpool had joined the race to sign him, with Manchester City and Chelsea also said to be interested in securing his signature.

Alonso previously compared the attacking midfielder to Lionel Messi, hinting as to why so many of Europe’s top clubs appear to be chasing him.

The former Liverpool midfielder said: ‘There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient.

‘Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: “You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!”

‘It’s not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.’