Upcoming Opportunity for Tjark Ernst: Germany U21 Goalkeeper Steps Up
Family Tradition Carried On: Replacement for U21 Goalkeeper Announced - Family tradition in net-minding continues as Atubolu prepares to replace U21 goalkeeper
Get ready for a potential breakthrough for Tjark Ernst in the Germany U21 squad! With starting goalkeeper Noah Atubolu out sick and Manuel Neuer's deputy Jonas Urbig away with FC Bayern for the Club World Cup, the stage is set for Ernst to make his second U21 international appearance tonight against England in Nitra (21.00 CET/Sat.1).
"A Matured Talent from a Classic Club"
U21 national coach, Antonio Di Salvo, spoke highly of Ernst before the game, saying, "He has matured significantly over the past year and a half. Time spent at a traditional club where things haven't always gone smoothly has helped him grow." The third goalkeeper in the squad is Fürth's Nahuel Noll, who is yet to debut with this team.
Ernst, son of former Bundesliga goalkeeper Thomas Ernst, has secured a stable position at the Berlin second-division club. "It's crucial for young goalkeepers to gain trust and feel secure, knowing they have support even during weaker games or errors," said the 22-year-old before the tournament. "If you're openly established as the number one, it helps make things easier."
Ernst: Embracing Your Role
Hertha coach Stefan Leitl has put Ernst back in the starting lineup. Ernst, who was the undisputed number one at Hertha in 2024 before temporarily losing his spot to Marius Gersbeck, noted, "For a goalkeeper, if you're in, you usually tend to stay longer and don't get rotated easily. It's distinct from a field player."
At least in the club setting. "At tournaments, however, it's different, as all 23 players heading to the European Championship are regular starters at their clubs. Everyone has the right to play. But it's important that everyone does their job to the best of their ability," said the Hertha goalkeeper, who made a Bundesliga appearance in May 2023.
With Atubolu sick and absent from the final training session in Modra, Di Salvo is being cautious, saying he doesn't want to take "too many risks" with the quarter-final weekend against Italy or Spain in mind. Atubolu impressed in the 3-0 win against Slovenia and the 4-2 win against the Czech Republic, so Ernst's opportunity could be a test for him on the international stage.
- Germany U21
- Tjark Ernst
- England U21
- Nitra
- Hertha BSC
- International Match
- Absence
- Antonio Di Salvo
- Thomas Ernst
- FC Bayern
- USA
- Sat.1
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering Tjark Ernst's maturity and a stable position at his club, Hertha BSC. During the England U21 versus Germany U21 international match in Nitra, Tjark Ernst might take advantage of the absence of Noah Atubolu to prove his worth on the international stage, just like he has done in club football.
