Joachim Low made some crucial decisions while selecting the final squad for Germany in the UEFA Euro 2020 delayed by a year. This will be his last major competition as manager of the national team. Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels make their return to the side after being expelled by Low after group stage exit in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. One other player with the similar faith, Bayern's Jerome Boateng is not included as he has not convinced the manager. However, the club's youngest scorer Jamal Musiala gets the nod while Julian Draxler and Brandt are left out. Marco Reus missed through fitness issues.
Germany UEFA Euro 2020 Squad
Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno (Arsenal), Manuel Neuer (Bayern), Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Defenders: Mattias Ginter (Gladbach), Robin Gosens (Atalanta), Christian Gunter (Freiburg), Marcel Hastenburg (RB Leipzig), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig), Robin Koch (Leeds United), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Niklas Sule (Bayern)
Midfielders: Emre Can (Dortmund), Leon Goretzka (Bayern), Ikay Gundogan (Manchester City), Jonas Hoffman (Gladbach), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern), Florian Neuhaus (Gladbach)
Forwards: Serge Gnabry (Bayern), Kai Havertz (Chelsea), Thomas Muller (Bayern), Leroy Sane (Bayern), Kevin Volland (Monaco), Timo Werner (Chelsea)
Key Player: Thomas Muller
Germany have a lot of players to keep faith in but it seems the returnee Thomas Muller is a personality they desperately needed. Low switched into the next generation and left out key figures in Muller and Hummels. That didn't help at all with the Germans facing humiliating defeats to Spain and North Macedonia among other disappointments after the World Cup. Muller has since gone strength to strength under Flick, becoming an assist master and once again relishing his role as the space interpreter. Thomas's addition back to the squad will help the frontline and the team generally through his leadership skill. He is underrated for the contributions he does on the pitch. Muller will be ready to shrug off past memories by placing his name firmly in the starting eleven in Low's farewell tournament.
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Strength (Midfield)
If Germany are to climb up to its usual charismatic height, their midfield will be the mode of inspiration. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos is one of the best players in his role accompanied by the ruthless Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich. Ikay Gundogan has taken an interesting 'mezalla' role at Manchester City and he will be keen to do it for the national team now by providing an extra attacking outlet. Youngsters Neuhaus and Musiala are all set to light up the stage with their talent. But the onus will be on Joshua Kimmich to be the vocal leader in everything. This midfield is one of the best going into the tournament.
Weakness (Cohesion and no definite goal scorers)
Although the Germans have a lot of optimism in the midfield sector, they are often let down in their end product. After legendary striker Miroslav Klose's retirement, Die Mannschaft has failed to field an out-and-out goalscorer. Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are promising attackers but they are not the ones to provide a constant amount of goals or be a target man to finish chances. While other teams have finishers in their camp, Germany have struggled with their system of false nine. Kevin Volland is recalled to national duties after starring for Monaco to be the one providing enough goals for the Euros.
Matt Hummel's inclusion in the defense was a much-needed one after he was brought back to them. Also, Tony Rudiger's excellent form with Chelsea is a great boost. However, the team still lacks a sense of unity among them. There is also an inconsistent display in their way of approaching games with Low constantly tweaking to a back four or three to get the best out of them. It hasn't borne good results but the return of these leaders is sure to help out.
Germany is not 'the favorites' to win the Euros but ranks high. Their squad contains a lot of talent and top performers from their club but they need to compete as a team rather than individualistic shows. If they manage to build up a unit, they will be a feared opposition to watch out for. Also, Germany are wounded by their showing at the World Cup so they will be up for it to turn their fortunes this summer.
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