Was Germany’s loss to England the end of the line for four veterans?

Following Germany’s exit from the European Championship, Die Mannschaft are entering a period of important turnover and transition away form the era of Jogi Löw. With that said, the move into the Hansi Flick era must begin immediately. The Germans have SEVEN World Cup Qualifiers to play in the remainder of 2021.

Reports trickled out nearly immediately after full time that Toni Kroos would be the first German player likely headed for the exit with Germany’s elimination from the World Cup, but speculation now abounds about three other players.

Prior to the tournament, Sport Bild was reporting on the possibility that the Euros would be the final tournament that Kroos and Ilkay Gündogan would play in and that both would step aside following the event. Gündogan’s minutes decreased throughout the four matches, going from 90 minutes in the opener to 0 minutes in the elimination game.

Following the game on ARD, former Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger suggested that it was also very likely the last time that fans will see both Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels play for Germany.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the two veterans decide that this will be their last outing for Germany; however, this World Cup cycle is a little bit different. With COVID-19 pushing the Euros to this summer, the 2022 World Cup in just 510 days. Both may look at that tournament as a final swansong for their nation.