U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo is set to tackle the upcoming challenges with a refreshed squad, featuring Cologne’s talented dribbler Said El Mala but without Bayern’s rising star Lennart Karl.
The German U21 national team heads into the decisive European Championship qualifiers with Said El Mala of 1. FC Köln, as Lennart Karl receives a call-up to the senior national squad. Karl, the FC Bayern sensation, has been nominated by national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the A-Nationalmannschaft, potentially eyeing a World Cup spot. Meanwhile, El Mala, known for his pace and dribbling, will continue his development under U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo.
Di Salvo praised Karl’s recent performances: «Lennart has consistently delivered strong performances at the highest level for Bayern in both the Bundesliga and Champions League, undoubtedly earning this nomination. He also impressed with us during the November international break, scoring three goals in two games.»
Gruda Returns, New Faces Join Squad
The DFB squad welcomes three new players: Karim Coulibaly (Werder Bremen), Max Finkgräfe (RB Leipzig), and Cajetan Lenz (VfL Bochum).
Di Salvo expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions: «We are excited to get to know these players and are eager to see how they integrate into the team.» Returning to the squad are Linus Gechter (Hertha BSC) and Brajan Gruda (Leipzig).
Paul Wanner, however, will be absent, having opted to switch national allegiances and is now poised to debut for Austria’s senior national team.
Crucial Qualifiers Ahead, Showdown with Group Leaders Greece
The DFB U21 team faces two pivotal qualification matches on its journey to the Euro U21 Championship 2027 in Serbia and Albania. This tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
On Friday (6:00 PM CET), Germany, currently second in Group F, will host third-placed Northern Ireland in Braunschweig. Four days later, the team will travel to Athens for a decisive clash against the undefeated group leaders, Greece.
Following a defeat in the reverse fixture, Germany trails the group leader by three points. Only the group winner secures automatic qualification for the European Championship.
DFB U21 Squad: Full Roster
| Position | Names |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Mio Backhaus (Werder Bremen), Dennis Seimen (SC Paderborn), Max Weiß (FC Burnley) |
| Defense | Nnamdi Collins (Eintracht Frankfurt), Karim Coulibaly (Werder Bremen), Max Finkgräfe (RB Leipzig), Linus Gechter (Hertha BSC), Finn Jeltsch (VfB Stuttgart), Leandro Morgalla (VfL Bochum), Joshua Quarshie (FC Southampton), Tom Rothe (Union Berlin), Lukas Ullrich (Borussia Mönchengladbach) |
| Midfield | Noel Aseko Nkili (Hannover 96), Tom Bischof (FC Bayern), Said El Mala (1. FC Köln), Brajan Gruda (RB Leipzig), Arijon Ibrahimovic (1. FC Heidenheim), Anton Kade (FC Augsburg), Aljoscha Kemlein (Union Berlin), Mert Kömür (FC Augsburg), Cajetan Lenz (VfL Bochum) |
| Forward | Dzenan Pejcinovic (VfL Wolfsburg), Nicoló Tresoldi (FC Brügge), Nelson Weiper (FSV Mainz 05) |