As hosts, Germany did not participate in the qualifiers for the tournament. It’s the first time they have hosted the competition since West Germany hosted in 1988.
Tournament record
Germany have featured in 13 European Championships – five times as West Germany and eight times as Germany.
The country holds the record for most participations in the competition’s history. They won the tournament in 1972, 1980 and 1996. That last victory came on English soil with a dramatic golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff against the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium.
The last Euros however were a disappointment as Germany failed to progress from the round of 16 at that very same venue.
Star Man
Toni Kroos is back for one last hooray. He times everything to perfection – earlier this month he won the Champions League for a sixth time with Real Madrid to bid the club farewell in grand style and he has come out of international retirement for a swan song on home soil.
On the back of an outstanding season at club level, Kroos will apply all his experience and vision to lead Germany to success.
The Manager
Julian Nagelsmann is Germany’s second-youngest boss ever and one of only three to lead the national team at a major finals on home soil. He is a modern manager who revels in tactical analysis and the nitty-gritty of the game and eschews some of the virtues that served German football well for so long.
Like his counterpart in Belgium Domenico Tedesco, Nagelsmann belongs to the generation of ‘laptop’ managers. His exit from Bayern Munich came as a shock, but Thomas Tuchel’s subsequent struggles proved how hard it is to manage the Bavarian giants. Previous spells with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
What can we expect
Germany want to relive the summer of 2006 when the World Cup brought the nation together and polished the country’s image on the international scene.
The political mood in the country is perhaps too polarized this time around, but at least the expectations, like 18 years ago, around the national team are limited.
Recent friendly victories against France and the Netherlands have lifted the mood after a disastrous 2023 with more than 40 players used and defeats to Turkey, Austria and Japan.
Still, it’s hard to discount Germany given their credentials and status as hosts. They face Scotland, Switzerland and Hungary in Group A. Manuel Neuer in goal, Antonio Rudiger in defence, Toni Kroos in midfield and Kai Havertz will form the spine of the team and in the final third of the pitch Ilker Gundogan, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala will provide plenty of impetus and danger.
At 21, Wirtz, a domestic champion with Bayer Leverkusen, is a player to watch. His dribbles are second to none. The question remains if the Germans can function well enough as a team. The last three major competitions were hugely embarrassing, but against France they demonstrated their quality. Repeat such performances and anything will be possible.
Schedule
Friday, June 14, Germany – Scotland – Munich Football Arena, Munich, 9 pm
Wednesday, June 19 – Germany – Hungary – Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart, 6 pm
Sunday, June 23 – Switzerland – Germany – Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, 9 pm