Germany vs Denmark: Lineups, team news, injury updates, and more!
Julian Nagelsmann pictured with Kai Havertz
Having made it to the knockouts as one of the top-placed teams, Germany must now face Demark en-route to a potential home final at EURO 2024.
Switzerland showed that the Germans are now unbeatable, and a yellow card suspension for Jonathan Tah means that Julian Nagelsmann must now switch up the backline he worked so hard to cultivate. Will these changes throw off their rhythm, or will the Germans reach new heights they haven't seen before?
Team news
Antonio Rüdiger took part in team training this week, which means he should be fit despite the hamstring injury he sustained versus Switzerland. Therefore, aside from Jonathan Tah, Nagelsmann has a full squad available to choose his best XI.
The name on everyone’s lips is Niclas Füllkrug. The Borussia Dortmund striker has doubtless earned a spot in the lineup after he performances in the tournament so far, with many questioning why Nagelsmann hasn't included him yet. Germany play better with a true No. 9 up top, so what gives?
Well, Nagelsmann has finally seen the light. According to Sky Germany, the coach will finally start Füllkrug up top ... only, with Kai Havertz still in the XI.
It is very likely that Niclas #Füllkrug will be in the starting lineup against Denmark in Dortmund on Saturday!
It is also not out of the question that Füllkrug and Havertz will both be in the starting lineup. If that happens, Florian Wirtz could be benched. A final decision is still pending.
Whether Antonio Rüdiger will play will be decided later. He was part of the final training session today.
Now, Florian Wirtz hasn’t exactly set the world alight after his brilliant opening game performance vs Scotland, but that hardly warrants benching him now, especially when the presence of a true striker in the XI could unlock his potential.
Assuming that Plettenberg is wrong, you could see Germany field the following lineup vs Denmark on Saturday:
That’s basically the same XI that Nagelsmann has relied on for the tournament so far, with only Füllkrug and Schlotterbeck being the notable changes. Bayern Munich youngster Jamal Musiala has been tearing up defenses whenever he plays, so he’s a surefire pick, as are captain İlkay Gündoğan, midfield lynchpin Toni Kroos, and Robert Andrich. The rest of the starting XI basically selects itself, as there are no real alternatives worth considering for those positions.
Germany find themselves favorites heading into this Ro16 tie. Will they live up to the potential recent performances have hinted towards?
Looking for a more in-depth preview of the game? Check out our preview show! Listen to it below or on Spotify.
As always, we appreciate all the support!