Bench pair captures attention during European Championship practice run-through
The excitement after the March friendlies has also reached national team coach Julian Nagelsmann. His ideal starting lineup for the home European Championship is almost finalized. However, it cannot be fully implemented in the penultimate match against Ukraine. Hence, other players are getting the spotlight.
Nagelsmann's dream team for the European Championship is almost set. Nevertheless, in the penultimate match of the German national team (8:45 pm/ARD and in the ntv.de live ticker) against Ukraine in Nuremberg, the coach will assign three positions differently than in the knockout successes in March against France (2:0) and the Netherlands (2:1). Graduate Manuel Neuer will be in goal instead of Marc-André ter Stegen. Additionally, for the Champions League winners Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton and Pascal Groß may take the field. The latter also mentioned the game plan for the 90 minutes at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in advance: "Our aim is to keep winning." This excitement for the European Championship in Germany will continue.
Just over a year ago, Bayern captain Neuer last played for the DFB team in the murky World Cup in Qatar. After his complicated leg fracture at the end of 2022, he will play his 118th international match. And the World Cup winner from 2014 aims to show that the national coach selected him as the number one goalkeeper for the home tournament.
Nagelsmann defended Neuer's performances at Bayern in the season finale against criticism. "In my opinion, he had a good, stable season given the circumstances. I have a lot of faith in him because he is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world in terms of both football intelligence and shot-stopping," explained Nagelsmann. The coach is certain: "Neuer will have an exceptional European Championship; I'm sure of it."
"The defender who also possesses offensive skills"
Nagelsmann will rely on the central defense duo of Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah. Behind them, the 27-year-old Anton, who had a significant impact on Stuttgart's second-place finish, will be the starting center-back for the first time alongside the Leverkusen double winner Tah.
"What sticks out to me about Waldemar is that he's a true defender who also possesses impressive offensive skills. He's a top-notch footballer who enjoys defending. There aren't many like that on the position anymore," explained Nagelsmann. Anton is "a step" ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt's Robin Koch in the national team in Nagelsmann's eyes: "He had an exceptional strong season at Stuttgart."
Groß refuses to replicate Kroos
How does one replace Toni Kroos? "It's impossible," answered Pascal Groß. The 32-year-old Brighton professional is supposed to mimic Kroos as the playmaker and conductor in midfield as well as possible. However, the latecomer has no intentions of emulating Kroos on the field but rather be himself. "I rely on my strengths and am trying to help the team with my abilities and replace Toni as well as possible."
Nagelsmann has faith in the skilled team player's capabilities. "Pascal is an exceptional player. He was previously under the radar for what he can do," said Nagelsmann. Prediction: "Pascal will, I'm sure, deliver a fantastic performance." Tournament newcomer Groß takes on the challenge of replacing Kroos/Andrich without complaint. "I will train every day for the moment when I am needed. I am here with pride and also grateful," he said.
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Julian Nagelsmann has named Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger as key players for the German national soccer team in the upcoming European Football Championship 2024. Despite Kroos' absence due to injury, his replacement Pascal Groß has expressed confidence in his abilities and is determined to contribute to the team's success. Nagelsmann has praised Groß for his exceptional skills and faiths in his capabilities to deliver a strong performance during the tournament. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer, the World Cup winner from 2014 and current Bayern Munich captain, is set to make his 118th international appearance in goal for the German team during the European Championship. The coach has defended Neuer's performances at Bayern and is confident that he will have an exceptional tournament.
