The DFB's schedule for the European Championship practice match
It's looking like a DFB player's hopes for the EM are dwindling after the investigation against Greece. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has to drop one player from the squad. Leroy Sané won't be the one, even though he needs to prove himself in the upcoming match. There needs to be an upgrade from the match against Ukraine.
There was a 6:1 win against Armenia before the departure for the World Cup in 2014, setting the stage for the successful tournament. In 2022, the German national team struggled to a modest 1:0 win in Oman and had a poor final round in Qatar. The last test match could indicate the direction for the tournament, according to Nagelsmann. He's anticipating his expectations for the EM group stage (8:45 pm/RTL and in the ntv.de live ticker) against Greece.
How will Nagelsmann approach the EM group stage?
The "rule" that a group stage must fail for later success is "void." Nagelsmann made that clear, so a courageous performance and a win against Greece is necessary. The EM feeling and confidence should come into play. The scoreless draw against Ukraine on Monday was not up to par. "The last friendly match is simply significant for our self-confidence. We want an uplifting vibe, we want to bring our fans along," said defender Antonio Rüdiger.
Will Nagelsmann start his EM starting lineup?
That's the plan. Rüdiger and Toni Kroos will appear in the starting lineup instead of the zero against Ukraine. This would let the team get started, like they should on June 14th in Munich against Scotland. Potential candidates for substitutions are Leroy Sané and Niclas Füllkrug.
How is the vibe in the DFB squad?
Very good. Julian Nagelsmann has brought a fresh atmosphere and upbeat energy to the team. After previous tournament disappointments, we've "grown closer as a team," said Kai Havertz, who added, "these defeats remain with us." The atmosphere has "shifted," explained the Arsenal striker: "We've become much more communicative. We spend a lot of time together. It feels like the players laugh more."
What happens after the match?
Nagelsmann must submit his final 26-man squad to UEFA by midnight. One player must still be removed from the squad after the match against the 2004 European Championship shock. "The decision has been made," said Nagelsmann, "if nothing weird happens." Conversations with players have already taken place. Players and fans will learn who's out in the evening at Mönchengladbach. Shortly thereafter, Nagelsmann will submit his squad with 26 players to UEFA.
Who will it be?
Possibly Robin Koch. The Frankfurt defender is the fifth center-back. Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah are confirmed as starters, as are Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of Koch. "No one deserves it, nothing has changed. If someone gets injured, which we don't hope for, something could still change," said Nagelsmann.
Could it be another player?
It's less likely. Nagelsmann wants to bring four goalkeepers to the tournament. He wants to also manage the load in training. The young Munich player Aleksandar Pavlović is likely to be there due to his potential for the future. He can learn a lot at the Euros.
What's the situation with Sané?
Sané, the swift offensive player from Bayern Munich, has only trained with the German national team twice. Since his arrival in Blankenhain almost two weeks ago, it's been "train carefully, recuperate a lot." His last game for the Munich team was the Champions League semi-final return leg against Real Madrid (1:2) about a month ago. Nagelsmann won't let go of the 28-year-old unless the match against the Greeks goes spectacularly bad. However, it's clear: Sané can't be a regular starter at the Euros - he's more of a "joker" for a specific tournament situation.
Did the national players have free time after the match?
Yes, for a while. After a free Saturday, the three-time European champion will meet at the EM headquarters in Herzogenaurach on Sunday evening with partner adidas. On Monday, the tournament countdown begins with a public training session at the Adi Dassler Stadium in front of 4,000 fans. On Thursday, the DFB team will relocate to Munich, followed by just rest before the Euros kick off at the Allianz Arena.
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The DFB's National soccer team, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, has a crucial match against Greece before the European Football Championship 2024. Despite Leroy Sané's need to prove himself, he is not expected to be the one dropped from the squad.
In preparation for the Euros, Nagelsmann emphasizes a win against Greece is necessary to boost the team's confidence and EM feeling, as seen in the defender Antonio Rüdiger's statement.
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