The German national team will have Toni Kroos back in the squad for the friendly games against France and Netherlands. Along with the return of Kroos, Julian Nagelsmnn is expected to make several changes to the squad. The changes in the squad could spell trouble for a couple of Bayern Munich players.
According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry are at risk of missing out on a place in the squad. Both players may not find themselves in the squad for the upcoming friendly games, which could eventually dent their chances of playing for Germany at the Euros 2024.
Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan are expected to start in the midfield for Germany. Nagelsmann is reportedly looking for a strong number six behind these two midfielders, which makes it difficult for Goretzka to break into the team.
Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry has not played enough this season to make a case for himself. The German winger has been on the sidelines this season due to serious injuries. Moreover, Gnabry’s form for Bayern has been poor. Nagelsmann will give chances to other attacking players opportunities against France and Netherlands in March.
Gnabry and Goretzka need to deliver strong performances for Bayern in the next three months to change Nagelsmann’s mind. Meanwhile, former Bayern defenders Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels are also at risk of losing their place in the team.
Nagelsmann is set to bring Manuel Neuer back in the starting XI. After a good return to action for Bayern in October, Neuer is set to be Germany’s number one in the European championship on home soil. Despite Neuer’s return to the team, Gundogan will remain the captain of the German national team.
The German coach currently has four players in the leadership group. Kroos and Gundogan are the midfield leaders, while Neuer and Antonio Rudiger will be the other players in the leadership group. As things stand, Thomas Muller is not part of the leadership group in the German national team.
Nagelsmann is hoping to turn the fortunes of the German national team. Germany has struggled for positive results in the last 18 months, which also includes a group-stage elimination in the World Cup 2022. Hansi Flick was sacked from the head coach position as results deteriorated after the World Cup. Nagelsmann’s contract with the German national team is until the end of Euros 2024. Since the European Championship will take place in Germany, DFB will hope for much-improved performances in the summer.