Nagelsmann names heavily-changed squad for Euro hosts Germany
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Thursday announced a much changed 26-man squad for the upcoming March friendlies, three months out from the country hosting Euro 2024.
The 36-year-old brought back 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos, leaving out 11 of the players he selected in his previous squad last November.
Nagelsmann's side face France in Lyon on 23 March and the Netherlands in Frankfurt three days later.
Germany open the Euros on 14 June against Scotland in Munich.
Germany have struggled in the lead-up to the tournament.
The three-time European champions won just three of 11 games in 2023 on the back of a group-stage exit at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, a run which saw Hansi Flick become the first coach in Germany history to be sacked.
Several established players have been left out, including Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Mats Hummels and Niklas Suele, while Leroy Sane has not been named due to suspension.
Opting for form rather than reputation, Nagelsmann named six newcomers including three from this season's big improvers Stuttgart – Deniz Undav, Maximilian Mittelstaedt and Waldemar Anton.
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Chris Fuehrich, who was called up for the first time earlier this season, has also been selected from Stuttgart, who narrowly avoided relegation last campaign but sit comfortably in third this season.
Jan-Niklas Beste from promoted Heidenheim, Bayern teenager Aleksandar Pavlovic and Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier have also been included for the first time.
Munich-born Pavlovic, included at the expense of teammate Goretzka, was also eligible for Serbia through his father.
Kroos is one of three 2014 World Cup winners to be included in the squad alongside Neuer and Thomas Mueller.
Neuer returns to the
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