Mats Hummels and Leon Goretzka will not be among the 26 players competing for the trophy at next month's European Championship in their home country of Germany. This is the news emerging in Germany.
The German Football Association (DFB) started announcing their Euro squad player by player last Sunday.
The plan had two goals: to generate a lot of attention and to prevent leaks before head coach Julian Nagelsmann revealed the entire list on Thursday. The latter goal was not achieved.
Several German media outlets reported on Tuesday the names of two prominent omissions from the squad: Leon Goretzka and Mats Hummels. Goretzka told Kicker on Tuesday that he always keeps his phone on, but he shouldn't hope for a call from Nagelsmann. At least, not for good news: the Bayern Munich midfielder is reportedly being left out.
The same applies to Hummels. The veteran defender, who recently led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final, has been omitted from the squad. This marks the second consecutive major tournament he will miss, as he was also not included by former head coach Hansi Flick for the World Cup in Qatar. Hummels' experience and leadership have been pivotal for Dortmund, but Nagelsmann has decided against including him in the final 26-man squad for the European Championship.
Germany is placed in Group A and will face Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland. The team aims to make a strong impact in the tournament, which will be held in their home country, adding to the pressure and expectations.
Eight players can now definitively cancel their summer vacations. Manuel Neuer, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Robin Koch, Chris Führich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Niclas Füllkrug, and Kai Havertz have already been called up. These announcements were made through various creative channels, including influencers, television news, and in Führich's case, on the bags at the local bakery.
Manuel Neuer, the legendary goalkeeper and team captain, will provide vital leadership and experience. His inclusion was expected, given his status and recent return to form after injury. Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah, both young and dynamic defenders, have been solid performers for their respective clubs and are seen as the future of Germany's defense. Robin Koch has also earned his spot with consistent performances and versatility.
Chris Führich, a less familiar name, has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga, earning him a surprise call-up. Aleksandar Pavlovic, another emerging talent, has shown great potential and will be looking to make his mark on the international stage. Niclas Füllkrug and Kai Havertz are also crucial members of the squad, with Füllkrug's goal-scoring prowess and Havertz's creative playmaking skills being vital assets for the team.
The DFB's approach to the squad announcement aimed to build excitement and engagement among fans, utilizing modern and unconventional methods to reveal the players' names. This strategy, while innovative, faced challenges with leaks to the media, undermining the surprise element.
As the tournament approaches, the focus will now shift to preparing the selected players for the competition. Julian Nagelsmann, in his role as head coach, will need to integrate these players into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. The exclusion of seasoned players like Goretzka and Hummels indicates a potential shift towards a younger, more dynamic squad, signaling a new era for German football.
The upcoming European Championship represents a significant opportunity for Germany to showcase their talent and ambition on home soil. With the support of passionate home fans and the motivation to reclaim their status among Europe's elite, the German team will be aiming for a strong performance. The mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the tournament.
