Germany releases squad for upcoming games against Belarus and Northern Ireland

Germany has released the squad for its upcoming games, the last of 2019, against Belarus and Northern Ireland. Germany is currently in second place in Euro 2020 Qualifying Group C, tied with the Netherlands at 15 points but behind on the tie-breaker, having lost 4-2 in the opener. Northern Ireland is in third place with 12 points. Hence the upcoming match against the plucky Northern Irish on November 19 will be critical for Germany’s qualifying campaign.

The squad itself holds no surprises, unless you are surprised that Jogi Löw has not relented and called center-back Mats Hummels back to the team. Emre Can is listed as a defender, but the odds that he will play as one are perhaps slightly less this time around, since Matthias Ginter is healthy again. Freiburg’s Robin Koch has also been summoned back after making his debut during the last break, and if Niklas Stark can avoid wounding himself at the team hotel, he may finally get a chance to play for Germany after setting a record for sitting on the bench without debuting.

Germany’s midfield and offense are also unsurprising. Marco Reus has returned to the squad. Sebastian Rudy will get another chance to feature or at least serve as backup defensive midfielder. Bayern’s Serge Gnabry is a guaranteed starter, as is Joshua Kimmich. Leon Goretzka could appear again, as well, although he has tough competition with Ilkay Gündogan and, of course, Toni Kroos. Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz are also strong contenders for starts this time around.

Time will tell whether Germany’s defense can finally get its act together, but at least the team can count on its midfielders to complete most of their passes! Yay.