Nagelsmann's squad hint: Nmecha listed in attack suggests tactical shift

Julian Nagelsmann has announced his final Germany squad ahead of the World Cup selection, following a high-profile Kicker interview in which he warned that some choices would prove unpopular. He said ‘‘There will be decisions,’’ adding they were ‘‘unlikely to be met with much understanding’’ from the public as well as players.

The March list contains fewer shocks than his March 2024 changes, though several players are currently struggling for form: Maximilian Mittelstädt, Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Füllkrug and Robert Andrich. Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Beier were already absent from the last squad, Said El Malas’s situation at 1.

FC Köln remains unchanged, and Jamal Musiala is expected to recover from an ankle problem in Munich. First-time call-ups Lennart Karl and Jonas Urbig have been rewarded for recent performances, and Bayern players again make up a large contingent. Surprises centre on a handful of selection and classification choices.

Germany, Munich, Köln

julian nagelsmann, germany squad, world cup, kicker interview, karim adeyemi, jamal musiala, maximilian mittelstädt, niclas füllkrug, lennart karl, jonas urbig