As hosts of UEFA Euro 2024, the German national team, or “Die Mannschaft,” is under immense pressure to perform. However, with Julian Nagelsmann at the helm and the return of veteran Toni Kroos from international retirement, there’s a renewed sense of optimism surrounding their chances. Victories against formidable opponents like France and the Netherlands have solidified the belief that Nagelsmann has found a winning formula, blending youthful exuberance with seasoned experience. This article delves into the likely German Euro 2024 Team lineup, dissects Nagelsmann’s tactical approach, and assesses their potential to lift the coveted trophy on home soil.
Following a mixed bag of results in the initial phase of Nagelsmann’s tenure, including wins against the USA and a draw with Mexico but also defeats to Turkey and Austria, the German squad seemed to be searching for its identity. However, recent dominant performances against France and the Netherlands, achieved with a consistent starting eleven and formation, suggest a significant turning point. Nagelsmann’s strategic evolution, marked by tactical experimentation and eventual refinement, has seemingly culminated in a team ready to contend for Euro 2024 glory.
Looking back at the early stages of Nagelsmann’s leadership, it’s evident that experimentation was key. The initial matches against the USA and Mexico served as exploratory phases, allowing the coach to assess the available talent and test different systems. During these games, both 4-2-3-1 and 4-2-2-2 formations were trialed. Notably, unconventional choices were made, such as deploying Jonathan Tah and Niklas Süle, primarily center-backs, as makeshift right-backs. Robin Gosens consistently started on the left flank, while Kai Havertz, surprisingly, was limited to just a brief appearance off the bench.
Image alt text: Julian Nagelsmann’s initial tactical approach for Germany, employing a 4-2-3-1 formation in the match against the United States.
Nagelsmann, known for his tactical flexibility and innovative thinking – highlighted by his record as the youngest ever Bundesliga coach at Hoffenheim and his Bundesliga title win with Bayern Munich – continued to explore unconventional options in subsequent fixtures. Against Turkey, the familiar 4-2-3-1 was maintained, but the deployment of Kai Havertz as a left-back raised eyebrows and sparked debate. Despite Havertz even scoring in that match, Germany suffered a 3-2 defeat in Berlin. The experiment was further intensified in the subsequent 2-0 loss to Austria, where Havertz was positioned as a wing-back within a back-three system. Leroy Sané’s red card in that game seemed to symbolize the overall frustration and lack of cohesion during this experimental phase.
Image alt text: Kai Havertz in an unfamiliar left-back position, a tactical decision by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann during an international fixture.
The lessons learned from these initial matches proved invaluable. The subsequent games against France and the Netherlands showcased a refined and effective 4-2-3-1 formation with an unchanged starting XI in both victories. A crucial factor in this transformation has been the return of Toni Kroos. His comeback has injected undeniable quality and leadership into the midfield. Kroos’s immediate impact was evident within seconds of his return, providing an assist with his first touch, setting up Florian Wirtz for Germany’s record-breaking fastest international goal. This moment underscored the positive influence Kroos exerts on his teammates and the overall team dynamic.
Alongside Kroos, Robert Andrich provides crucial robustness and balance in the midfield. The central defensive partnership of Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rüdiger offers further stability at the back. However, the most significant impact of this settled formation is arguably in the attacking third, where Ilkay Gündoğan, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz are given the freedom to express their creative talents.
Image alt text: Germany’s favored 4-2-3-1 formation, enabling Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala to excel in attacking roles during Euro 2024 preparation matches.
Nagelsmann himself emphasized the importance of this attacking freedom, stating before the France game, “The three of them have a lot of freedom that they can enjoy.” Gündoğan echoed this sentiment, highlighting his role in supporting the younger talents: “Jamal and Flo are in top form. I want to support them by providing the necessary balance so they can show their magic.” The statistics back up this synergy. Kroos added another assist against the Netherlands, while Musiala contributed two assists across these two crucial fixtures. The attacking midfield trio is clearly clicking at the right time.
Musiala emphasized the burgeoning partnership with Wirtz: “I feel good with Flo on and off the pitch. The connection between us gets even better with every game.” He further elaborated on Gündoğan’s crucial role in the system: “He is the captain, has more experience than us and always occupies the middle… It was really fun. We saw and felt that everyone was really keen to play together. You could see our quality.”
The depth of talent within the German squad is such that even Leroy Sané, a key player for Bayern Munich, faces a challenge to break into the starting lineup. Joshua Kimmich, another Bayern stalwart, has adapted to a right-back role, demonstrating the team’s collective commitment. Nagelsmann clarified Kimmich’s position, stating, “With the national team every player has to subordinate himself and be a servant for your country. That’s Kimmich.” This highlights the selflessness and team-first mentality Nagelsmann is fostering.
Image alt text: Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann in conversation with Joshua Kimmich, likely discussing tactical roles and team strategy for Euro 2024.
Nagelsmann also provided clarity on the goalkeeping situation, confirming that a fully fit Manuel Neuer remains the number one choice, ahead of Marc-André ter Stegen. Niclas Füllkrug seems to have accepted his role as an impact substitute, with Kai Havertz seemingly preferred as the central striker. Füllkrug’s impressive international record, including 11 goals in 15 appearances with several as a substitute, underlines his value in this role. “I’m really relaxed,” said Füllkrug. “I’ve already scored goals when I come off the bench and can give a team input and energy from this role. A tournament is about having players in a role in which they help the team.”
Image alt text: Predicted starting XI for the German national team at Euro 2024, for their opening match against Scotland in Munich.
This collective acceptance of roles and the burgeoning team spirit suggest a promising outlook for Germany, not only for Euro 2024 but also for the future. Nagelsmann has also introduced several new faces to the national setup, including Robert Andrich, Maximilian Beier, Aleksandar Pavlović, and others, demonstrating a long-term vision. The inclusion of VfB Stuttgart players further enriches the squad with diverse options. Even with fresh talent integrated, experienced players like Thomas Müller remain valuable assets, though notable omissions like Mats Hummels indicate tough decisions have been made to shape the final squad.
Conclusion:
With a blend of tactical acumen, returning experience in Toni Kroos, and the emergence of young stars like Musiala and Wirtz, the German Euro 2024 team is shaping up to be a genuine contender. Nagelsmann’s journey, from experimental phases to a settled and successful formula, has instilled belief and cohesion within the squad. Playing on home turf, fueled by passionate support and a unified team spirit, Germany possesses all the ingredients to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially reclaim the European Championship title.
