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Germany have been ultra-consistent over the last decade having reached two Euros semi-finals in 2012 and 2016, finishing third at the 2010 World Cup and then going all the way in 2014. The main exception was their last showing at the 2018 World Cup where they bowed out at the group stage following embarrassing defeats to South Korea and Mexico in Russia.
Serial winners Germany have won a total of four World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014) and three European Championships (1972, 1980 and 1996).
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GROUP:
F
FIXTURES:
France – Munich: Tue, June 15, 8pm
Portugal – Munich: Sat, June 19, 5pm
Hungary – Munich: Wed, June 23, 8pm
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Germany won their group with seven wins and just one defeat, gaining 21 points in a group including the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Belarus and Estonia. They scored 30 goals and conceded just seven with comprehensive wins against Estonia 8-0 and 6-1 against Northern Ireland the standout results. Former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry top-scored for the Germans with eight.
Germany failed to impress in the Nations League though were they were thrashed 6-0 by Spain. It didn’t get much better in the recent World Cup qualifiers either after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat at home to North Macedonia.
MANAGER
Joachim Low is stepping down after 15 successful years in charge after Euro 2020 and Hansi Flick is taking over after an exceptional couple of years at Bayern Munich. Low had relatively minimal managerial experience prior to his assistant national coach role under Jurgen Klinsmann having only ever had short stints across an array of clubs, with Stuttgart been his longest stint of 89 games in charge. His Germany managerial record is as impressive as you’d expect. From 192 games in charge he’s won 63.5% of matches.
SQUAD
Low operates with either a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formation, and may opt for the latter in this tournament. Manuel Neuer will start in goal with a likely back three of Matthias Ginter, Niklas Sule and Antonio Rudiger with Christian Gunter and Robin Gosens deployed as wing backs. In central midfield we’d expect to see Joshua Kimmich alongside Toni Kroos or Ilkay Gundogan. Then across the frontline a likely trio of Serge Gnabry, Timo Werner and Leroy Sane. Thomas Muller is back too, so the German manager has plentiful options.
KEY MAN
Timo Werner. The front man started to find form for Chelsea towards the end of the season, and if Germany are to be a success at the tournament Werner will be vital. His pace on the counter attack will be needed to stretch defences and he brings the confidence of winning the Champions League to the party too.
ONE TO WATCH
Serge Gnabry. A utility player who plays anywhere across the front line, the 25-year-old has been vital to Bayern Munich’s recent success. His pace and finishing make him a feared opponent and he’s developed his defensive quality too, becoming more of a box-to-box player who can run from deep and cause opposition defenders trouble with his dribbling and strength on the ball. Gnabry’s international record stands at 15 goals in 20 games, and this will be the tournament where he can showcase his talent.
STATS
Here’s all the key data on Germany’s squad.
- Squads and statistics correct at time of data sheet creation.
TOURNAMENT PROSPECTS
Germany would be disappointed not to at least reach the semi-finals but have a very tricky group. The main bonus is playing all three home matches in Munich.
Should they finish runners-up and England win their group then it will be a Last 16 showdown at Wembley in a repeat of the Euro ’96 semi. Three of the top seven ranked teams in Europe are battling it and that home advantage could play a massive part for Germany.
BEST BET: Germany to finish second in Group F
Germany could be eyeing up a slightly easier route through to the semi-final by finishing as runners-up in their group. I can’t see them beating France in their opening match so Germany to be Group F’s second-place side is the selection.
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