The three-time winners have endured some major tournament disappointments in recent years, and are looking to turn the tide on home soil
Germany have endured a difficult few years. Back-to-back World Cup group-stage exits sandwiched a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020, and thus fans head into Euro 2024 more with hope than expectation for the hosts to make a deep run.
Joachim Low and Hansi Flick both paid for the team's poor form with their jobs, and Julian Nagelsmann's reign also got off to a difficult start, with losses to Turkey and Austria. But things have since turned around, with Toni Kroos' return to the fold from international retirement pacing a duo of memorable friendly wins against France and the Netherlands. Suddenly, thing are looking up.
Though they will be backed by a home crowd this summer, group games against Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland are unlikely to be straightforward for Nagelsmann's side, and thus the former Bayern Munich made moves in a bid to give himself more options to choose from once the tournament rolls around.
He confirmed his 26-man squad on June 7, but who has he chosen, and who has been left out? GOAL has everything you need…
For over a decade, Manuel Neuer has been the presumed No.1 for Germany heading into major tournaments, but after the Bayern Munich veteran suffered a potentially career-threatening leg injury in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was given the chance to step up and performed well.
Since Neuer's return, Nagelsmann had been non-committal in naming his starting goalkeeper for the Euros, but has eventually confirmed that the 38-year-old is his No.1.
Name
Club
Oliver Baumann
Hoffenheim
Manuel Neuer
Bayern Munich
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona
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DEFENDERS
A fair criticism of Germany's recent tournament struggles has been their inability to find the net consistently, but this hasn't exactly been a tight defensive unit, either.
There is, to be sure, some experience to be found with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back and Joshua Kimmich at right-back, but Nagelsmann's omission of Mats Hummels means he will not be able to rely upon one of Europe's most in-form veterans.
In Hummels' place, Jonathan Tah should partner Rudiger — and rightly so after turning in a series of top performances with Bayer Leverkusen.
Name
Club
Waldemar Anton
Stuttgart
Benjamin Henrichs
RB Leipzig
Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich
Robin Koch
Eintracht Frankfurt
Max Mittelstadt
Stuttgart
David Raum
RB Leipzig
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund
Jonathan Tah
Bayer Leverkusen
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MIDFIELDERS
Kroos' decision to come out of international retirement has naturally grabbed the headlines in Germany. The Real Madrid star has been at his metronomic best for Los Blancos this season, turning in countless superb performances to control a humming side, and will surely start this summer.
Right now, it seems like Leverkusen's Robert Andrich will join Kroos at the base of the Germany midfield. Further forward, meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan will play in one of the more advanced roles, likely alongside Jamal Musiala and Leverkusen standout Florian Wirtz.
Bayern youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic had forced his way into contention, however he was forced to withdraw due to illness in June with Emre Can replacing him.
Name
Club
Robert Andrich
Bayer Leverkusen
Emre Can
Borussia Dortmund
Chris Fuhrich
Stuttgart
Pascal Gross
Brighton
Ilkay Gundogan
Barcelona
Toni Kroos
Real Madrid
Jamal Musiala
Bayern Munich
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
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FORWARDS
Germany have lacked a true, world-class No.9 for a number of years, and the responsibility to lead the line is likely to fall on Niclas Fullkrug's shoulders at the Euros, as the Dortmund man has been preferred to Thomas Muller in recent camps (although Muller has made the squad).
Kai Havertz could come into contention, given his performances for Arsenal have improved of late. His best position is up for debate, though, and Nagelsmann might prefer a more natural striker through the middle.
