Nagelsmann banks on experience as Germany's Euro 2024 reboot begins
Julian Nagelsmann, the youngest Germany coach for almost a century, has turned to veterans as he hopes to rebuild the fallen giants nine months out from hosting Euro 2024.
Hansi Flick became the first coach in Germany history to be sacked in September, having overseen a run of five matches without a win after a second-straight group stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar.
Germany will take on the United States in Connecticut on Saturday evening German time and Mexico in Philadelphia early on Wednesday morning.
Stepping into the role in October, Nagelsmann said his selections would be guided by form, rather than reputation or potential.
Nagelsmann named World Cup winners Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels, both 34, in the squad, the latter last played for Germany at the Euros in 2021.
With 12 members of the 26-man squad aged 30 or over, Nagelsmann – who himself is only contracted with the German FA until the end of next summer's tournament – has clearly gone with experience in the hope of winning now.
In leaving Hummels out of his Qatar World Cup squad in 2022 for 20-year-old centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap, Flick said his decision was "not against Mats, but in favour of younger players".
Bella-Kotchap did not see a minute of action in Qatar, sitting on the bench as Germany crashed out.
Nagelsmann on the other hand said Hummels was selected "due to his experience".
"He's also a good coach (and can) lead the other guys with his tactical understanding."
Even Nagelsmann's debutants have been picked with the present in mind.
Alongside in-form midfielder Chris Fuehrich, 25, Nagelsmann picked journeyman striker Kevin Behrens, 32, and midfield enforcer Robert Andrich, 29.
- 'The best players' -
The manager also stuck with Flick's
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