‘A lot more is possible’

Published 22/02/2024 at 17:12 GMT

Germany have received a welcome boost ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 as legendary midfielder Toni Kroos has announced that he has come out of international retirement. The Real Madrid star took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal that he was asked by manager Julian Nagelsmann to reconsider his stance. Kroos has 106 caps for Die Mannschaft and has a World Cup winning medal from 2014.Toni Kroos – Germany

Image credit: Getty Images

Toni Kroos has made himself available for Germany ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid midfielder called time on his international career in July 2021 having won 106 caps and being a part of the team who won the World Cup in 2014.

“Why? Because I was asked by the national coach, I’m up for it and I’m sure that a lot more is possible with the team at the European Championship than most people believe!”

Kroos, 34, retired after his performances were called into question at Euro 2020 when Germany lost 2-0 to eventual runners-up England in the last 16.

Die Mannschaft have suffered a barren spell in his absence, failing to make it out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.

Preparation for this summer’s tournament has not gone to plan either – they have failed to win any of their last three matches, losing their latest game 2-0 away to Austria.

But Kroos’ decision will be a welcome one for manager Julian Nagelsmann as Germany prepare to host the European Championship.

Kroos – who has five UEFA Champions League titles and is a three-time La Liga winner – has been in outstanding form as Real sit at the summit in Spain with seven assists and one goal in 24 appearances.

The midfielder is expected to be a part of Nagelmann’s squad for the friendlies against France on March 23 and the Netherlands three days later.

Germany kick off Euro 2024 with a match against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday, June 14. Group A matches follow against Hungary and Switzerland.

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