Germany U21 Squad Announced: El Mala In, Karl Promoted for Crucial Euro Qualifiers
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) |
Fresh materials — Serie A
Rafael van der Vaart Names Unexpected German Player for Netherlands Squad
Former Bundesliga professional Rafael van der Vaart has revealed an unexpected German national player he wishes to see in the Dutch national team. When asked in the *Bild* podcast 'Phrasenmäher', van der Vaart stated: "Leroy Sané! And then I would wake him up every day as an assistant coach." Thi
Jupp Heynckes Mourns Longtime Assistant Peter Hermann: "Couldn't Stop Our Tears"
Jupp Heynckes reacted with deep sadness to the death of his longtime friend and colleague Peter Hermann. In an emotional guest contribution for kicker, the 81-year-old described his 'eternal' assistant coach as a 'steadfast partner on equal footing'. Heynckes and Hermann were 'brothers in
Gianni Infantino Opens Dialogue on FIFA Reforms Amidst Job Security Battle
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is making his stance clear in his fight for his position, expressing openness to discussing reforms. The FIFA leader, facing significant criticism, sent a letter to the 211 member associations on Monday. This correspondence, seen by AFP and The Athletic, pr
Diego Simeone Praises Barcelona's Dominance Under Hansi Flick
FC Barcelona has begun the season impressively under coach Hansi Flick. This has even impressed Atletico Madrid's coach, Diego Simeone. The Argentine, usually focused solely on his own team, lauded Barcelona's football in an interview with ESPN. "It seems like they're playing a diffe
"I Wouldn't Even Talk to My Dog Like That": Former Bundesliga Striker Clashes with Referee
Former Bundesliga striker Wout Weghorst argued with referee Serdar Gözübüyük during the Eredivisie top match between Twente Enschede and PSV Eindhoven, leveling serious accusations. Late in the first half, the Dutch forward fell during a challenge with Armando Obispo, with the Eindhoven p
Raphinha's Scorching Start: Barcelona Star Surpasses Messi, Trails Only Ronaldo
Raphinha is scoring goals for Barcelona with apparent ease. He turned a 0-1 deficit against FC Sevilla into a 3-1 victory. The first half at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan was a hard-fought, balanced affair. League leaders Barcelona found themselves trailing briefly after Youssouf Fofa