Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has kept fans and pundits guessing about his starting lineup for the crucial Euro 2024 last 16 clash against Denmark. The question on everyone’s lips is whether Kai Havertz or Niclas Fullkrug will lead the attack.
Havertz has been a mainstay in the starting eleven, featuring in all three group games with a goal and an assist to his name. However, Fullkrug’s impact off the bench has been equally impressive, scoring twice in just 73 minutes, creating a selection dilemma for Nagelsmann.
Despite the speculation, the 36-year-old manager remained tight-lipped about his decision, stating, “I have made my decision but I will not disclose it until tomorrow.” He emphasized the importance of both players, highlighting Fullkrug’s “big energy” and dedication from the bench.
Nagelsmann is confident in his team’s ability to perform in front of their home fans at the sold-out Dortmund BVB Stadion. He believes the home advantage will provide an extra boost, despite the high expectations placed upon the German team.
“I always stress that it is a privilege for the players to be able to perform in front of their home fans. The pressure is the same as always because the expectations in Germany is always high,” Nagelsmann stated. He remains confident in his players’ capabilities, reminding them that “every game is special but you can’t afford to make any big mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Nagelsmann confirmed that defender Antonio Ruediger is expected to be available for the match after recovering from a minor hamstring injury. Ruediger’s return will be a major boost for Germany, who will be without defender Jonathan Tah through suspension.
The stage is set for an exciting encounter between Germany and Denmark, with the pressure mounting on Nagelsmann to deliver a victory in front of the home crowd. The manager’s final decision on his starting lineup will be revealed just hours before the game, keeping the anticipation and speculation high until the whistle blows.
