With the build-up to this summer’s European Championship heating up, Germany and France have revealed their squads. Germany, under the leadership of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, and France, helmed by Didier Deschamps, have both made intriguing selections that have already sparked lively debate among fans and pundits.
Germany’s Provisional Squad
Germany launched a unique marketing campaign leading up to the squad announcement. In an innovative move, an exclusive group comprising media personalities, former players, advertisers, and influencers revealed the selected players one by one. On May 16, Thursday, Nagelsmann disclosed the 27-man preliminary roster for the tournament in its entirety.
The squad announcement was not without controversy. The omission of Borussia Dortmund trio Mats Hummels, Emre Can, and Karim Adeyemi has been particularly contentious. Hummels, a seasoned veteran, had shown remarkable form, leading his team to the UEFA Champions League final. Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka was another notable absentee, with Nagelsmann opting not to include the midfielder following a challenging domestic season.
Among those included, Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Aleksandar Pavlovic was a standout surprise. Pavlovic has had a breakout season, shining brightly in an otherwise tough campaign for Bayern. He joins a strong Bayern contingent featuring Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Joshua Kimmich, and Thomas Muller.
The return of Toni Kroos to the squad is also noteworthy. Following a stellar season with Real Madrid, Kroos is expected to be a key figure. His Real Madrid teammate, Antonio Rudiger, along with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, Robert Andrich, and Florian Wirtz, also made the cut. Nagelsmann has opted for four goalkeepers in his provisional roster, but one is expected to be dropped before the final squad is confirmed.
The complete provisional squad includes: Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel, Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Defenders: Waldemar Anton, Benjamin Henrichs, David Raum, Robin Koch, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Nico Schlotterbeck
Midfielders: Pascal Gross, Chris Furich, Ilkay Gundogan
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Maximilian Beier, and Niclas Fullkrug.
Germany will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich on June 14.
France’s Final Squad
In contrast to Germany’s provisional roster, Didier Deschamps announced France’s final 25-man squad for the European Championship. Deschamps’ selection has its own share of surprises, including the recall of former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, now playing in Saudi Arabia.
The squad features many familiar faces from France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team. Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Alphonse Areola, Benjamin Pavard, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Kante are all included. They are joined by several new talents who have been integrated into the team over recent years.
Defensively, Deschamps has selected Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, and Dayot Upamecano. The midfield includes Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Youssouf Fofana. Forwards Randal Kolo Muani, Kingsley Coman, and Marcus Thuram retain their spots from the 2022 World Cup roster.
Significant changes have occurred in the goalkeeper department, with Mike Maignan and Brice Samba replacing veterans Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda. Deschamps also called up Paris Saint-Germain’s young duo Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola, Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy, and Olympique Marseille’s Jonathan Clauss.
France will begin their Euro campaign with a match against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria on June 17.
As both teams prepare for the tournament, fans eagerly anticipate the performances of these talented squads. Germany’s blend of experience and youth under Nagelsmann’s guidance will aim to impress on home soil, while Deschamps’ seasoned and dynamic French side will look to build on their recent successes. The European Championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of football excellence, with these two teams poised to be central figures in the competition.
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