Nagelsmann considering dropping Germany superstar to accomodate Havertz and Fullkrug in XI for Euro 2024 clash against Denmark - Reports
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly considering making a tactical switch ahead of the side's Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Denmark on June 29. According to Sky Germany, he wants to incorporate both Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug in the lineup and may remove Florian Wirtz.
Die Mannschaft have opted to use Wirtz and Jamal Musiala along with the Arsenal man as their attacking options in the group stage. However, Fullkrug has been impressive in his stints off the bench, scoring two goals in just 73 minutes of action.
Thus, Germany are expected to line the 31-year-old to lead the attack, with Havertz taking a deeper No. 10 role. Meanwhile, Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan, and Toni Kroos, who have all been in fine form, are expected to retain their places in the lineup.
The report claims that Nagelsmann is looking for a more robust attacking approach. It would help to have an established No. 9 as the striker as opposed to Havertz, who prefers to operate in a deeper role. The manager also believes that this would solidify the side during transitions.
However, it would come as a surprise if Wirtz ends up getting dropped, having scored one goal at the tournament so far. The youngster has been in fine form throughout the domestic campaign as well. He bagged 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 games across competitions for a Bayer Leverkusen side that were unbeaten domestically.
Germany's path to Euro 2024 final revealed after finishing on top of Group A
Germany are set to face Denmark in the Round of 16 to begin their Euro 2024 knockout stages. The host nation have had a fine tournament, topping Group A with ease with two wins and one draw.
They began the campaign in dominant fashion with a 5-1 victory over Scotland and followed it up with a 2-0 win over Hungary. They finished their group fixtures with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
Nagelsmann's side face a rather difficult path to the final, having been put in the tougher side of the knockouts draw. Should they beat Denmark, Germany will have to face the winner of the Spain vs Georgia clash in the quarter-finals. Prospective opponents in the semis include France, Belgium, Portugal or Slovenia.
The home fans will be hoping that the side can make it their fourth triumph at the competition, having won it previously in 1972, 1980, and 1996.