Germany host Hungary in Düsseldorf tonight as they prepare for life after the golden generation. Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller, all who played significant roles in winning the 2014 World Cup, have retired, as has Ilkay Gündogan.
The captaincy has been passed to Joshua Kimmich, but the Bayern Munich player will retain his place at right-back, as opposed to reverting back into midfield despite the retirement of Kroos. Bundesliga winner Robert Andrich has been awarded Kroos’ number eight jersey and while it’s impossible to replace the latter, Nagelsmann has several interesting options.
Borussia Dortmund’s Pascal Groß, as one of the more experienced players, has been appointed on the DFB’s team council and should get an opportunity to start alongside Andrich. The 33-year-old leads the way in the Bundesliga for passes attempted (194) and completed (184), and he already has three assists in as many games for his new club.
Angelo Stiller is the only debutant in the national team, and we can expect to see the Stuttgart player receive minimal minutes over the next two games. Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović is another option for Nagelsmann in midfield.
With the international retirement of Gündogan, it gives Nagelsmann an opportunity to start both Kai Havertz and Niclas Füllkrug, which we could see tonight, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala operating in the half-spaces.
Predicted Germany XI vs Hungary
Marc-André ter Stegen – Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum – Robert Andrich, Pascal Groß – Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz – Niclas Füllkrug
