Squaring Up for the Nations League: Potential Comebacks and Absences
Revealed: Nagelsmann Discloses Hidden Information Regarding the Squad on the 22nd of May - Rumored Secret Squad List Unveiled by Nagelsmann on May 22nd
Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann is preparing to unveil the DFB squad for the Nations League championship on May 22, following the last Bundesliga matchday. The DFB team will square off against Portugal, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, in the semi-finals on June 4 in Munich.
The second semi-final will be in Stuttgart the following day between European titlists Spain and World Cup runners-up France. The final will take place on June 8 in Munich, with Stuttgart hosting the third-place playoff on the same day.
Possible comebacks and question marks
Footballers such as Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona) and Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham United), who returned from long-term injuries, could rejoin the squad after a nearly three-year hiatus. However, worries linger around injured top performers like offensive stars Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (FC Arsenal), and Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), and the recently operated-on Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund).
Anticipating a Title
Nagelsmann will gather the national players at the Adidas home ground in Herzogenaurach on May 30, a venue where the team has previously trained during home tournaments. With the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on the horizon next year, Nagelsmann expresses a keen interest in the Nations League title. "We need to stay self-aware: It would be great for us to secure a title. We're eagerly awaiting the tournament in our home country," Nagelsmann declared after the quarter-final victory against Italy in March.
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Nations League
- Head Coach
- DFB
- Munich
- Stuttgart
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Frankfurt am Main
- Niclas Füllkrug
- Waldemar Anton
- German Football Association
- Portugal
- Ronaldo
- France
- Final
- Sunday
Insight:
While Waldemar Anton, a 28-year-old center-back, hasn't been called to the national team since 2024, he has expressed optimism about a potential spot in the roster following recent injuries to other defenders. The Nations League serves as a possible platform for his comeback[1]. The absences of Nico Schlotterbeck and Antonio Rüdiger due to injuries have opened up opportunities for other players, including Anton, to seize their chance during the upcoming Nations League matches.[1]
[1] Source: Waldemar Anton interview from Der Spiegel (https://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/waldemar-anton-back-in-die-deutsche-nationalmannschaft-a-c757fd0b-858f-4d6f-b5d5-b4715d7aeafd)
- With the absences of Nico Schlotterbeck and Antonio Rüdiger due to injuries, 28-year-old center-back Waldemar Anton may seize his opportunity for a comeback to the DFB squad in the Nations League, as previously stated in his interview with Der Spiegel.
- Despite not being called for the national team since 2024, Waldemar Anton remains optimistic about his potential inclusion in the roster, especially following the recent injuries to other defenders.
- Head coach Julian Nagelsmann is anticipating the Nations League matches and is eager to lead the DFB team in Munich, where the semi-finals against Portugal and the final will take place.
- As the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is approaching next year, Julian Nagelsmann is keen on securing a title in the Nations League to boost Germany's confidence ahead of the competitive international tournament.
