A tactical preview for Germany National Football Team playing at Euro 2024

Germany’s national football team will arguably have the heaviest weight of expectations on their shoulders to win Euro 2024 as they are the host country. In addition to that, they also have one of the most exciting and dynamic squads in the tournament, filled with youth and experience as well.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann has done incredibly well in implementing his philosophy on the squad, which is reflected in his team selections as well. Backed by veterans in goal and in defence, Die Mannschaft possesses a group of highly-skilled and talented attackers who can dominate games once they get going.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at Germany’s current squad, their tactics, and possible lineups.

Predicted lineup of Germany National Football Team playing in EUROs

A nation with a rich history of competing at the highest level in football, Germany have historically done exceptionally well at major international tournaments. Now, with a new-look team who have limited experience on the biggest stage, the giants will look to win the Euro 2024 on home soil.

In goal, Manuel Neuer looks likely to be given the nod to start in what could be his final involvement with the national team. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Oliver Baumann will deputize for the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.

The Germany National Football Team boasts one of the most experienced, versatile, and solid defences at the tournament. Veterans Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger will lead the way and will be supported by Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, and David Raum, among others.

In midfield, Die Mannschaft have a unique combination of experience and youth. Veterans Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan will anchor the middle of the pitch, while more attack-minded players like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala will be given freedom to roam.

Up front, Kai Havertz seems to have made the central striker role his own, while Leroy Sane is almost certain to start down the left flank. This gives Nagelsmann the opportunity to either play Thomas Muller or Aleksandar Pavlovic in the final vacant spot.

Predicted Lineup: Manuel Neuer (GK); Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Maximilian Mittelstadt; Robert Andrich, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan (C); Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz.

Also Read: A tactical preview for Croatia National Football Team playing in EURO 2024

Team Strengths

Historically one of the most competitive national teams, the Germany National Football Team has several strengths that will give them an advantage over opponents. Without further ado, here are some:

• Home Support – Playing a game or two on home soil is always a plus for any nation, but having an entire tournament in front of your own fans seems like a very reassuring factor as teams are guaranteed support come what may. Additionally, German fans are known to be some of the most passionate and vociferous among the lot, which will give the team an incredible atmosphere wherever they play.
• Young Attackers – Germany possesses a variety of attackers who are still in the early stages of their career, but still very talented. Their fearless approach to the game and will to run at defenders will give the hosts a chance to dominate teams off the pitch with their energy.
• Battle-Hardened Veterans – Most players in Germany’s starting XI come from successful clubs, or have tasted success with their previous clubs. Rudiger, Havertz, Gundogan, Kroos, Neuer, Kimmich and Muller have all won the biggest honours at club level on a regular basis. This allows players around them to be calm as they feed off their energy.

Team Weaknesses

While the Germany National Football Team seems like a winning-obsessed juggernaut, they still have some chinks in their armour which other teams can look to exploit. Let’s take a look at what these factors are:

• Weight of Expectations – Being the host nation is a blessing and a curse. While they are guaranteed support, fans will also have high hopes and will be aiming to win it all. This could create pressure in the dressing room with some of the young players not accustomed to having such expectations on their shoulders.
• Limited Striker Options – Havertz is the only striker in the German squad who has played at multiple international tournaments before. Most of their other options have just broke into the squad after players before them either retired or were excluded.

Germany EURO 2024 Key Players to Watch Out For

• Jamal Musiala – The Bayern Munich midfielder has an exciting style of play and is not afraid to take charge and take games to the opposition. His dribbling abilities combined with his natural instincts for the game make him one of the trickiest players to defend. He will be a crucial factor as most teams will sit deep against Germany and may have to rely on Musiala’s individual brilliance to unlock defences.

• Toni Kroos – The Real Madrid maestro will likely be playing his final tournament in German colours. Having won the FIFA World Cup in 2014, Kroos will be looking to bow out of the sport with probably the only major trophy he has not yet got his hands on in his career. He also came out of retirement to be a part of the squad upon Nagelsmann’s request.

• Antonio Rudiger – Arguably the senior-most and most solid defender in the squad, Rudiger will have to be at his sharpest throughout this tournament. The team will need his robust approach to assert dominance.

Conclusion

Germany are by far the biggest favourites to win Euro 2024 considering they are the home team. The pressure of living up to that may cause some obstacles but the squad has enough quality to surmount them.

Also Read: A tactical preview for Netherlands National Football Team playing in EURO 2024