Germany Euro 2024 squad: The players carrying the hopes of the host nation

Germany has unveiled their 26-man squad for Euro 2024, aiming to capture glory on their home turf. Julian Nagelsmann, the head coach, finalized his roster just ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on June 14. The excitement builds as Germany hosts the prestigious event, eager to bounce back from their disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive time.

One setback for the squad came with the late exclusion of rising Bayern Munich talent Aleksandar Pavlovic due to illness. This unexpected change has forced Nagelsmann to adjust his plans as Germany gears up to impress their home supporters. The pressure is palpable on the 2014 World Cup champions to deliver a memorable performance in the Euros, especially under the leadership of Nagelsmann, who took the helm from Hansi Flick in September 2023 amid a series of disappointing results.

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As anticipation mounts among fans and pundits alike, Germany prepares to embark on their quest for European glory amidst high expectations and a fervent desire to showcase their prowess on home soil.

 

Germany Euro 2024 squad and player roster

Nagelsmann’s squad for Euro 2024 presents an intriguing blend of seasoned veterans and relatively inexperienced players, with an average age of 28 highlighting a mix of maturity and emerging talent.

Among the stalwarts are Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos, whose enduring presence is pivotal despite previous speculations about their international futures. Joining them is Manuel Neuer, the 38-year-old goalkeeper who remains a cornerstone of the team’s defensive solidity, alongside captain Ilkay Gundogan, whose leadership will be crucial on and off the pitch.

A notable absentee due to illness was 20-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic, who had been making waves at Bayern Munich and was set to feature prominently before contracting tonsillitis. His replacement, Emre Can from Borussia Dortmund, steps into a crucial role at the last minute.

Meanwhile, Bayern’s Jamal Musiala and Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz represent the youth brigade, already established as key figures in the squad despite their tender ages.

On the flip side, there are older players with fewer international appearances, such as Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstadt, who bring just six caps combined. Pascal Gross of Brighton & Hove Albion adds depth as a relative newcomer to the international scene.

Striker Deniz Undav, who caught the eye during his loan spell at Stuttgart from Brighton in the 2023/24 season, made his senior debut for Germany only in March, illustrating the squad’s diverse blend of experience and fresh talent as they aim to make an impact at Euro 2024.

Position Player Club Age Caps
GK Oliver Baumann Hoffenheim (GER) 34 0
GK Manuel Neuer Bayern Munich (GER) 38 119
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen Barcelona (SPA) 32 40
DEF Waldemar Anton Stuttgart (GER) 27 2
DEF Benjamin Henrichs RB Leipzig (GER) 27 15
DEF Joshua Kimmich Bayern Munich (GER) 29 86
DEF Robin Koch Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) 27 9
DEF Maximilian Mittelstadt Stuttgart (GER) 27 4
DEF David Raum RB Leipzig (GER) 26 21
DEF Antonio Rudiger Real Madrid (SPA) 31 69
DEF Nico Schlotterbeck Borussia Dortmund (GER) 24 12
DEF Jonathan Tah Bayer Leverkusen (GER) 28 25
MID Robert Andrich Bayer Leverkusen (GER) 29 5
MID Emre Can Borussia Dortmund (GER) 30 43
MID Chris Fuhrich Stuttgart (GER) 26 4
MID Pascal Gross Brighton (ENG) 32 7
MID Ilkay Gundogan Barcelona (SPA) 33 75
MID Toni Kroos Real Madrid (SPA) 34 109
MID Jamal Musiala Bayern Munich (GER) 21 29
MID Leroy Sane Bayern Munich (GER) 28 60
MID Florian Wirtz Bayer Leverkusen (GER) 21 18
FWD Maximilian Beier Hoffenheim (GER) 21 1
FWD Niclas Fullkrug Borussia Dortmund (GER) 31 16
FWD Kai Havertz Arsenal (ENG) 24 46
FWD Thomas Muller Bayern Munich (GER) 34 129
FWD Deniz Undav Stuttgart (GER) 27 2

 

How many players are in Euro 2024 squads?

Teams participating in UEFA Euro 2024 have the flexibility to select squads ranging from a minimum of 23 players to a maximum of 26 players. This adjustment marks an increase of three players compared to previous tournament regulations. Interestingly, UEFA’s guidelines do not specify a mandatory number of goalkeepers that must be included in the squad, leaving this decision entirely up to the discretion of each national team’s coaching staff and selectors.

This flexibility allows teams to tailor their squads to meet tactical and strategic needs, balancing the number of goalkeepers with outfield players according to their game plan and contingency plans for injuries or other unforeseen circumstances during the tournament. It underscores the importance of strategic squad selection in international football tournaments like Euro 2024, where depth and versatility can often prove decisive factors in a team’s success.

 

Germany Euro 2024 group draw

As the host nation of UEFA Euro 2024, Germany was automatically assigned to Group A of the tournament. Joining them in this group are Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland, determined by the draw.

Germany, ranked 16th by FIFA, holds the highest ranking among the teams in Group A. They are followed by Switzerland, ranked 19th, Hungary at 26th, and Scotland, ranked 39th.

This ranking hierarchy sets the stage for competitive matchups within Group A, with Germany expected to leverage their higher FIFA ranking and home advantage as they aim to advance through the group stage and pursue success in the tournament.

 

Germany Euro 2024 schedule, matches

Germany Euro 2024 warm-up and tournament match schedule

Date Match Opponent Venue Time (ET)
June 14 Group stage MD1 Scotland Allianz Arena 3 p.m.
June 19 Group stage MD2 Hungary MHPArena 12 p.m.
June 23 Group stage MD3 Switzerland Deutsche Bank Park 3 p.m.