Germany – Key Euro Statistics:
Appearances in euros: 13
European titles: 3
Best finish: Winners (1972, 1980, 1996)
Euro record: W27 E13 P13
Goals scored: 78
Biggest victory: 3-0 (most recent vs Slovakia in Euro 2016)
Player to watch: Florian Wirtz
World ranking: sixteen
Euro 2024 group matches: Scotland (June 14), Hungary (June 19), Switzerland (June 23)
How to follow our Euro 2024 coverage: Euro 2024 on Al Jazeera
A general disillusionment with the national team, a team stuck in transition and the appointment of a charismatic new coach before a local tournament: smell it and you'll discover it smells like 2006 in Germany.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann was in charge of Die Mannschaft (which directly translates as “The Team”) at the World Cup 18 years ago. Julian Nagelsmann is in the crosshairs ahead of Euro 2024.
In 2006, a young German team captured the nation's imagination and made an improbable run to the semi-finals. A similar campaign is expected in 2024, although it is not necessarily expected.
It has been a harrowing few years for the three-time European football championship winner, who, since Euro 2016, has not won a knockout match in a major tournament.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was their second consecutive elimination in the group stage and, following their 4-1 loss to Japan last September, Hansi Flick became the first Germany coach to be fired from his position.
Fire friend
Germany has won only five of its 13 matches since Qatar. But it is the last two, who arrived in the March international window, who have seen optimism spread throughout the country ahead of Euro 2024.
The first rule of international football is: do not give importance to friendlies. Considering how joyless German fans have been in recent years, it's understandable why they were swept away by victories over France (2-0) and the Netherlands (2-1).
But it was not entirely without reason.
After some tweaks in his first four games, Nagelsmann opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation for the two friendlies and just like that, everything fell into place.
The trio of Jamal Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan and Florian Wirtz with Kai Havertz in midfield brought dynamism to the attack. Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger provided solidity at the back.
The full-back was where Nagelsmann had experienced the most: Havertz, Niklas Sule, Robin Gosens, Benjamin Henrichs and Tah occupied that position before March.
But in Stuttgart's Joshua Kimmich and Maximilian Mittelstaedt, Nagelsmann appears to have found his preferred duo to flank the centre-backs. Mittelstaedt made his debut in the victory against France and three days later scored his first international goal against the Netherlands.
Kroos to the rescue
Central to the entire system, of course, is superstar Toni Kroos.
The Real Madrid midfielder was brought out of retirement and, seven seconds after his return, set up Wirtz's first goal against France with one of his archetypal cut passes.
As well as the balance Kroos brings to the side, his presence frees Gundogan to operate from the top of the attack. It is a similar role to the one he played at Manchester City, where Rodri protected him.
Nagelsmann had signed a short-term contract with Germany until the end of the Euros, but in April agreed to stay until after the 2026 World Cup. He cited the March friendlies – and the reaction they provoked across the country – as reasons for his extension. .
“This is a decision of the heart. “It is a great honor to be able to coach the national team and work with the best players in the country,” said Nagelsmann.
“With successful and passionate performances we have the opportunity to inspire an entire country.
The two victories against France and Holland in March moved me a lot. We want to play together in a successful European Championship at home and I am looking forward to the Challenge of a World Cup together with my technical team.”
The 36-year-old coach has been bold in his selections for the European Championship.
Mats Hummels, who starred in Borussia Dortmund's run to the Champions League final, has been overlooked as has Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka.
Beyond talent, the German team is made up of players who are in excellent shape.
Havertz and Wirtz are coming off standout campaigns for Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.
Kroos, meanwhile, has turned back the years for Madrid with his performances this year, and Rudiger has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world this season.
The fact that Germany is hosting Euro 2024 is key, especially since qualification could have been an issue if it had not been that way.
Domestic support – and how it is harnessed – will be crucial to Germany's chances.
Drawn into a tough group with Switzerland, Scotland and Hungary, a good start to Euro 2024 will be essential to building momentum.
Like the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, the Euros could be the start of a new era for the national team at home or, if they crash and burn in front of their legions of fans, there is likely to be a major crisis. rebuilding the team in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Germany squad for Euro 2024:
Captain: Ilkay Gundogan
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Waldemar Anton (VfB Stuttgart), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstadt (VfB Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Fuhrich (VfB Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forward: Maximilian Beier (TSG Hoffenheim), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)
You can follow the action on Al Jazeera's dedicated Euro 2024 tournament page with all the match build-up and live text commentary, and stay up to date with the group standings and real-time match results and times.
