- Scheduled Appearance of Shooting Star Wanner at the DFB, Anticipated Interruption in U21
Promising player Paul Wanner from 1. FC Heidenheim continues to be a key figure in the German Football Association (DFB)'s plans and has caught the eye of former coach Julian Nagelsmann. The midfielder, currently on loan from FC Bayern Munich, was initially set to feature in the U21's two Euro qualifiers against Israel on Wednesday at 6:00 PM in Győr and against Estonia on September 10 at 6:00 PM in Tallinn, both on ProSieben MAXX.
However, Wanner stated his intention to " fully establish himself in the top league" first, explained U21 national team coach Antonio di Salvo. "Given his current situation, we have mutually agreed to keep him in Heidenheim for this reason."
"An exciting prospect"
Nagelsmann also sees potential in Wanner. "He's performing well. He's a player with a lot of potential, who we highly value at the DFB. When he makes the transition to the senior national team is up to him," said Nagelsmann, who previously coached Wanner at FC Bayern. "He's truly an intriguing player with a bright future."
Wanner has played a significant role in Heidenheim's impressive run in the Bundesliga, with five wins from their first five competitive matches. The youngster has already netted four competitive goals but has also faced intense 'English weeks'.
Born in Austria, Wanner had a training stint with Ralf Rangnick's team last November, who continues to express interest. However, di Salvo commented, "This wasn't a topic of consideration for him. It's not within my remit to discuss his future. As of now, he has chosen Germany."
Di Salvo will be without defenders Linus Gechter (Hertha BSC, knee injury) and Kenneth Schmidt (SC Freiburg, muscle strain) at short notice. Striker Tim Lemperle (1. FC Köln) will only join the team the day before the game due to illness. Paul Nebel (1. FSV Mainz 05) has been selected as a replacement for the attack.
Germany currently tops Group D in the Euro qualifiers with 16 points, ahead of Poland who have 15 points and have played one more game. Israel occupies the bottom spot. "We can't afford to underestimate them in the away fixture either," warned di Salvo.
For the 2025 Euro finals in Slovakia, the nine group winners and the three best runners-up will qualify directly. The other six runners-up will compete in playoffs for the final three spots.
In his current loan spell at 1. FC Heidenheim, Paul Wanner has significantly contributed to their successful run in the Bundesliga. Despite interest from Ralf Rangnick's team, Wanner has chosen to focus on establishing himself in the top league in Germany.
