Nagelsmann’s surprising picks and omissions for Euro 2024

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By Martin Graham | 16th May 2024Julian Nagelsmann, the tactician at the helm of the German national team, has made waves with his unconventional squad selection for Euro 2024, opting for a mix of fresh faces and unexpected omissions.

Among the newcomers catching attention are Aleksandar Pavlovic, Maximilian Beier, and Alexander Nübel. While Pavlovic and Beier previously received call-ups during the March international break without seeing action, Nübel’s stellar performances for Stuttgart this season have earned him his maiden national team call-up.

However, eyebrows were raised at the exclusion of seasoned campaigner Mats Hummels. Despite his pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund’s remarkable journey to the Champions League final, Nagelsmann has chosen to place his faith in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Robin Koch instead.

Pre-tournament preparations and fixture line-upGermany’s preparations for the Euros include two crucial warm-up matches. They are set to face Ukraine in Nürnberg before squaring off against Greece in Mönchengladbach.

The tournament itself kicks off on June 7th, with Germany launching their campaign against Scotland in Munich. Subsequent fixtures will see them take on Hungary in Stuttgart and Switzerland in Frankfurt.

A deep dive into the full squadThe roster for Euro 2024 paints a picture of diversity and depth across all positions, reflecting Nagelsmann’s vision for the team.

In goal, the squad boasts stalwarts such as Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen, alongside rising talent Alexander Nübel and seasoned campaigner Oliver Baumann. Defensively, the team features a blend of experience and youth with names like statorium_player pid=1688 text=”Jonathan Tah”}, Nico Schlotterbeck, Robin Koch, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Waldemar Anton, Antonio Rüdiger, David Raum, and Benjamin Henrichs.

The midfield is brimming with talent, including the likes of Robert Andrich, Joshua Kimmich, Pascal Groß, Ilkay Gundogan, Jamal Musiala, and Toni Kroos, complemented by emerging stars Aleksandar Pavlovic and Florian Wirtz. Meanwhile, the attacking department offers a potent mix of speed and skill with Niclas Füllkrug, Chris Führich, Leroy Sané, Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Thomas Müller, and the promising Maximilian Beier in the mix.

Nagelsmann’s selections signal a departure from convention, injecting fresh energy into Germany’s bid for European glory.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer