Defense
In defense, Germany will be tasked with finding the balance between experienced defenders and young, athletic alternatives. Five of Die Mannschaft’s current corps of World Cup defenders should receive their call-ups for Euro 2020.
Mats Hummels is an absolute rock and leader at the back. He’ll be 31-years-old by 2020, still a solid age for a center-back who has always relied on his tactical understanding and strength rather than pace. The leadership and poise he’ll bring to anchor Germany’s backline will be paramount. Let’s just hope he works on his heading between now and then.
Both Antonio Rudiger and Niklas Sule will also retain their place in the squad, meanwhile, and could even be starters alongside Hummels in a back three. Jerome Boateng and Matthias Ginter will both miss out on the tournament. I expect the former to move on from Bayern Munich within the next two seasons, and questions over his fitness and form keep him from making this predicted squad.
In place of the pair, youngsters Jonathan Tah and Thilo Kehrer will step in and provide a heavy dose of athleticism to the German backline. However, it wouldn’t be too surprising if Boateng is still playing under Low in two year’s time. If that’s the case, expect Schalke’s Kehrer to miss the squad.
Joshua Kimmich, of course, will be a shoe-in for a spot on the German national team in 2020, as he should be for years to come. I also expect Jonas Hector to maintain his place in Germany’s 23-man squad, while Leverkusen youngster Benjamin Henrichs — thrice capped already — could fill in for either, or perhaps even start on the left if needed.
Should the Germans opt for a three-man defensive line, Mats Hummels and one of Antonio Rudiger or Jonathan Tah will start alongside Niklas Sule, while Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector/Benjamin Henrichs provide width as wingbacks. If they stick with a four-man defense, Rudiger/Tah gets the cut and Hector solidifies his place to provide defensive stability.