Germany vs Sweden team news: Ozil and Khedira dropped for crucial game

Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have been left out of the starting XI for Germany’s must-win World Cup game against Sweden.

Ozil was the subject of fierce criticism for his part in the reigning champions' opening loss to Mexico, with the likes of Stefan Effenberg and Lothar Matthaus calling for him to be dropped.

And as Germany's hopes of surviving the group stage depend on beating Saturday's opponents, Joachim Low has opted for a big change to his team by leaving out two key players.

Ozil loses his place to Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus, while Khedira, who was replaced 60 minutes into the loss against Mexico, is replaced by Sebastian Rudy.

Mats Hummels also misses out after picking up a neck injury, allowing Antonio Rudiger to step in, while Jonas Hector replaces Marvin Plattenhardt at left-back.

Sweden coach Janne Andersson, meanwhile, has left his side unchanged from the team that beat South Korea 1-0 in their first match of the tournament.

After Mexico's win over South Korea earlier in the day, Germany need at least a draw to have a chance of progressing into the second round heading into their game against the Asian side.

Germany starting XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Rudiger, Hector; Kroos, Rudy; Muller, Reus, Draxler; Werner.

Sweden starting XI: Olsen; Lustig, Lindelof, Granqvist, Augustinsson; Larsson, Ekdal, Claesson, Forsberg; Berg, Toivonen.