Germany's men flopped at the last two World Cups, going out in the group stages, and they only managed the round of 16 at the last European Championship.
Nowthey are hosting Euro 2024, and wins over France, the Netherlands and Greece in three of their last four friendlies haveboosted confidence around new head coach Julian Nagelsmann's team. But are the defense, midfield and attack good enough to lift the trophy on July 14 in Berlin?
How stable is the German defense?
Germany conceded seven goals in the last three games of 2023. The leaky defense had already been a recurring problem under former coachesHansi Flick and Joachim Löw. But since Nagelsmann has opted for Real Madrid's Champions League winner Antonio Rüdiger and Bayer Leverkusen'sdomestic double winner Jonathan Tah in central defense, the team's back line has stabilized.
"What makes us strong is our communication. We talk a lot on and off the pitch," said Rüdiger about his teammate Tah. "He also stands out because he's a leader and doesn't shy away from talking. For me, he's the best central defender in the Bundesliga."
On the right side of defense, former midfield general Joshua Kimmich is expected to repeatedly create danger from out wide. Stuttgart's Maximilian Mittelstädt appears set at left-back butisthe least experienced player in the defensive unit. However, one of the best players of theBundesliga season just gone can benefit from the experience of his teammates.
"It depends on each individual, even if they have less experience," said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who will play in a seventh major tournament when it kicks offwith the hosts against Scotland in Munich on Friday.
"We need imagination and self-confidence. And the players who are in the squad have developed that at their clubs."
However, Neuer himself is the subject of some debatefollowing some errors in recent friendlies, including the most recentagainst Greece. Nagelsmann has given the former Germany captain his backing,but there are plenty who think it may be time for a change.
What will Toni Kroos' return bring to the squad?
The coach found a new but familiarsolution for a previously misfiring midfield. Six-time Champions League winner Toni Kroos is back in a Germany shirt after initially retiring from international football in 2021.
"He is very important, but not the sole savior," said Nagelsmann, highlighting Kroos' qualities. "He can be a brilliant link player between the attack and defense." Kroos, 34, is retiring from all footballafter the Euros.
At Real Madrid, Kroos had a pass success rate of 95% in the Champions League this term, and he is now bringing this security and accuracy back to the national team. But the key to success could be his midfield partner Robert Andrich, who has only been an international since November 2023 and has Kroos' back.
Nagelsmann once described Andrich, another member of Leverkusen's title-winning squad,as a "worker,"butthat doesn't do Andrich justice. Club coach Xabi Alonso, who himself was one of the world's best midfielders, has taught him well and raised the 29-year-old late bloomer's level.
The Andrich/Kroos duo has provided the team with the necessary calm and security that Germany had been lacking.
Creative forces Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, in particular, are benefitting from playing with the two deeper midfielders, while captain Ilkay Gündogan links the two duos, although his form is shaky.
"We've improved a lot in our play with the ball, so we can get Flo and Jamal into the spaces where they're incredibly effective," said Andrich.
Who will score the goals for Germany?
The German attack finally has a proper number nine again,though he might not start. Borussia Dortmund's Niklas Füllkrug has already scored 11 goals in his 15 international contests.
More technically adept, Kai Havertz from Arsenal looks set to lead the line instead, but Füllkrug and Bayern Munich veteran Thomas Müller are good options from the bench.
Bayern's speedy winger Leroy Sané, who is still suffering from groin problems, is not fully fit but could play an important role as the tournamentwears on.
Can Germany become European champions?
Nagelsmann has found a good mix for his team.
The experience of Neuer contrasts with exciting new names such as Stuttgart winger Chris Führich, forward Deniz Undav and young Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, who played well in the0-0 warmup draw with Ukraine.
In addition to exploiting the squad's quality, Nagelsmann is also focusing on fostering an atmosphere of fun.
"There's much more togetherness than before," said defender Tah. "It's a mixed bunch that gets on well and wants to be successful."
Hard work and enjoyment are the order of the day.
"This combination can lead to us being successful. That's why I have a good feeling about the tournament," he added.
This article was translated from German
