EURO 2024 Team Guides: Germany

As UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off this weekend, we at Lucky Block Sports will be providing an in-depth, team-by-team analysis of the competition’s big hitters – starting with hosts Germany.

Led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, Die Mannschaft face Scotland in Friday night’s opening match in Group A.

Alongside the Scots, Germany’s group contains Hungary and Switzerland, with the host nation comfortable favourites to top the group.

Germany’s Group A Fixtures:

• Germany Vs Scotland – 14th June 8:00pm BST
• Germany Vs Hungary – 19th June 5:00pm BST
• Germany Vs Switzerland – 23rd June 8:00pm BST

Germany Squad:

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Stuttgart), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstadt (Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Fuhrich (Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion), Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Hoffenheim), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)

Germany’s Tactical Shape: 4-2-3-1

As for the tactical shape and expected lineup under Nagelsmann, they will almost certainly opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer brings huge experience and leadership between the posts, and is still one of the best keepers on the planet.

He will likely play behind a back four of Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah and Maximilian Mittelstadt. 

The central defensive partnership of Rüdiger and Tah will be crucial for Germany’s success, and they will need to link well with the midfield double-pivot of Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich.

Playing behind the striker will be a trio most likely composed of Jamal Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan and Florian Wirtz.

Up top, Germany may not have a natural goalscorer in Kai Havertz, but the Arsenal forward is important for link-up play, and will allow others to make runs beyond him.

Tactically, they will look to play out through the middle, with Kroos in particular a key cog in building the German attack. 

With both fullbacks pushing high up the field, others will often drop into central areas to overwhelm opposition back lines. 

Getting their exciting young talents such as Musiala and Wirtz on the ball in space will be key to German success.

However, their central focus could limit opportunities out wide, especially against teams that put many players behind the ball.

Defensively, they may be vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially against teams loaded with pacey forwards such as France’s Kylian Mbappe.

Key Players

Toni Kroos

Despite taking significant criticism following Germany’s last-16 exit to England in 2021, Kroos has returned to the side and is once again an integral figure.

The Real Madrid legend has won five Champion League titles, and at 34, is a veteran of the 2014 World Cup triumph. 

Set to retire following the Euros, what better way for the iconic midfield maestro to close his international career than by lifting the European Championship on home turf?

Florian Wirtz

At the other end of the age spectrum, Florian Wirtz has the peak of his international career laid out at his feet.

And yet, despite being still only 21, Wirtz has been crucial to Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten run to the Bundesliga title.

Club manager Xabi Alonso said “You can’t teach something like that,” after his wonder-goal against Freiburg in 2023.

Bound to light up the tournament, the elusive dribbler can beat a man in the tightest of spaces, and has the finishing ability to punish teams from anywhere. 

Antonio Rüdiger

Somewhat of an enigma, Antonio Rüdiger hasn’t always displayed his best football on the international stage. 

But while often inconsistent, there’s no doubting his ability. Strong, imposing and fearless, the Real Madrid defender will be vital at the back for Germany. 

If the hosts wish to do well in the competition, they will need players like Rüdiger to produce the kind of form that’s seen him help his club to yet another Champions League title this season.

Competition Pedigree

This year’s European Championship will be the 17th edition of the competition since its inception in 1960.

In that time, Germany has lifted the trophy on three occasions, most recently in 1996 as they beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Wembley in the final after extra time.

That tournament was the first major competition to be decided via the golden goal rule, with Oliver Bierhoff netting the winner.

It was also Germany’s first major title won as a unified nation, having previously won the 1972 and 1980 Euros as West Germany, as well as World Cups in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

Germany’s Recent Euros Record:

• 2020 – Round of 16 (L 2-0 Vs England)
• 2016 – Semi-finals (L 2-0 Vs France)
• 2012 – Semi-finals (L 2-1 Vs Italy)
• 2008 – Final (L 1-0 Vs Spain)
• 2004 – Group Stage 
• 2000 – Group Stage
• 1996 – Winners (W 2-1 AET Vs Czech Republic)

German Prospects For Euro 2024

Germany are certainly one of the favourites for the tournament. Aside from their undoubted quality throughout the squad, Julian Nagelsmann’s team will be buoyed by the fervent home support.

With the passionate German crowds behind them and the familiarity of playing on home soil, they could well progress deep into the tournament, or even win it.

The hosts are currently third-favourites with the bookies, with most places offering odds of 11/2 on them lifting the trophy.

That puts them ahead of Portugal, but behind England and France as expected tournament winners.