Tjark Ernst, the New Kid on the Block for Germany U21's Football-EM
Family's Legacy Continues: Prepared U21 Replacement for the Goalkeeping Position - Family Tradition Continues: Next-Gen Goalkeeper Steps Up in U21 Squad
Get ready to witness the debut of the new, promising shot-stopper in the Germany U21 squad! With regular starter Noah Atubolu down with an illness and Bayern's reserve goalie Jonas Urbig off on Club World Cup duty, young Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst is eagerly awaiting his second U21 cap.
"Ripened at the traditional club"
U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo praises Ernst's growth over the past 1.5 years, crediting his time at a historic club for maturing him as a goalkeeper. "He's come a long way since then. The experience at a traditional club where things haven't always gone smoothly has certainly helped him to grow," said Di Salvo before tonight's match (21.00 CET/Sat.1) against England in Nitra. The third 'keeper in the squad is Fürth's Nahuel Noll, yet to make his debut for this team.
Straight from the horse's mouth
"It's crucial to have trust in the early years as a young goalkeeper. Knowing that you're backed up, even if you struggle or make mistakes, is vital. If you establish yourself as the clear number one, it eases the pressure," said the 22-year-old Ernst, who has found his footing at second-tier Berlin.
Stefan Leitl, Hertha's coach, has reinstated Ernst as the starting 'keeper. The former Bochum 'keeper Ernst has been Hertha's undisputed number one in the 2024 season, temporarily losing his place to Marius Gersbeck, only to regain it again. "Life as a goalkeeper is like that; once you're in, you tend to stay that way. It's different for field players," explained Ernst, whose dad, Thomas Ernst, was a well-known Bundesliga 'keeper.
Everyone's got a part to play
"At the club level, you get comfortable and settle in, but at a tournament like this, all 23 players called up to the European Championship are regular starters in their clubs. Everyone deserves their chance. However, it's essential that everyone plays their role to the best of their ability," said the Hertha 'keeper, who even got a taste of the Bundesliga with a May 2023 appearance.
With Atubolu absent and unable to participate in the final training in Modra, Di Salvo is cautiously optimistic about Ernst's readiness. Atubolu shone in Germany's victories against Slovenia and the Czech Republic, but taking unnecessary risks with Atubolu's health could have dangerous consequences, given key quarterfinal matchups against Italy or Spain looming.
- Football-EM
- Antonio Di Salvo
- England
- Nitra
- Hertha BSC
- U21 national football team
- International match
- Absence
- Thomas Ernst
- Di Salvo
- FC Bayern
- USA
- Sat.1
[1] Thomas Ernst - Wikipedia[2] Hertha Berlin - Official Site[3] UEFA European Under-21 Championship - Wikipedia[4] Second Bundesliga - Wikipedia[5] UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 - Results
The Commission might also consider submitting a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment during a football match in Nitra, especially considering the presence of the U21 national football team. Antonio Di Salvo, the coach of the U21 national football team, has been instrumental in the growth of Tjark Ernst, the promising goalkeeper from Hertha BSC, who is set to make his second appearance for the team in the Football-EM against England.
