Nagelsmann's uncertain choices for selection emerge.
Germany's starting lineup for their Euro 2020 opener against Scotland appeared to be decided after their impressive performances in March, but recent matches against Ukraine (0:0) and Greece (2:1) have raised some doubts about certain players. Ahead of the game on Friday (9 p.m. on ZDF and MagentaTV, also live on ntv.de), Julian Nagelsmann revealed that his chosen formation for the tournament is not set in stone. He plans to make adjustments based on each opponent. Here's a breakdown of the potential variable players and alternatives:
Left back: Maximilian Mittelstaedt or David Raum? Mittelstaedt, who made his debut in March, was praised by Nagelsmann as one of the world's top-performing left-backs due to his goal against the Netherlands. He had seemingly secured his spot on the left flank. However, when paired with Stuttgart teammate Chris Führich, Mittelstaedt excelled. However, he did not quite gel with Florian Wirtz against Ukraine and Greece.
The tournament-experienced Raum could be the alternative, but he isn't known for his defensive stability.
Central midfield: Robert Andrich or Pascal Groß alongside Toni Kroos? Kroos has been a pass machine, while Andrich acted as his supporting partner in March. Andrich mentioned that he was close to his brother-in-law Kroos and promised to support him: "Toni, do your thing. I'll clean up around you." But he often arrived late, gaps in the center emerged. Could Groß fill the void? Nagelsmann said English veteran Groß had been underrated: "[He] isn't the kind of copy of Kroos I'm looking for, but a replacement for him."
Magic trio: Florian Wirtz, Ilkay Gündogan, or Leroy Sané? "Leroy has a certain quality that we can't overlook," said Nagelsmann about the Bayern player, who will be important. Sané has dealt with shin issues but looked refreshed after his substitute appearance against Greece. He's a long-time member of Nagelsmann's core.
Both Wirtz and Gündogan appear somewhat fatigued after a busy season. Nagelsmann must choose whether to bench Germany's best player of the previous Bundesliga season or his team captain. Jamal Musiala has been mooted as a potential candidate to join the trio.
Striker: Kai Havertz or Niclas Füllkrug? Nagelsmann claimed Füllkrug "did well" following the 0:0 draw against Ukraine. Havertz was absent due to the Champions League final. He played superbly against Greece but only came on as a substitute. Competitor Havertz scored and displayed his skill, but Füllkrug understood his role and promised to support Havertz: "I'm hoping it won't be the same starting eleven from the first game who'll play the rest of the tournament." The same applies to Raum, Groß, and Sané.
Read also:
- Given the uncertainty surrounding some positions, Leroy Sané could potentially find his way back into the National soccer team's lineup for the European Football Championship 2024, despite his shin issues.
- If Julian Nagelsmann decides to shift his formation, Ilkay Gündogan and Florian Wirtz might not be the automatic choices in the midfield trio, opening the door for players like Jamal Musiala.
- Despite his impressive performances, Maximilian Mittelstaedt's place in the left back position is under threat, with veteran tournament-experienced player Florian Raum serving as a potential alternative.
- German midfielder Toni Kroos could share the pitch with either Pascal Groß or Robert Andrich at the European Football Championship 2024, depending on Nagelsmann's strategies and opponent analysis.
