Berlin (AFP) – RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old striker Timo Werner has been called up by Germany for the first time ahead of next week’s friendly against England and World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan.
Werner is set to make his debut when Germany host Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in Dortmund next Wednesday before flying to Baku for a World Cup 2018 qualifier against Azerbaijan.
Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew has said Werner, who is reportedly being monitored by Premier League side Liverpool, has the potential to become a world-class striker.
He has rewarded the Leipzig hot-shot with his first call up after scoring 14 Bundesliga goals so far this season for second-placed RB.
“Werner is a young, interesting player with good prospects,” said Loew.
“He varies his game well and has played consistently well at a high level this season.”
Bayern Munich’s defender Jerome Boateng, who has just returned from shoulder surgery misses out.
There is also no place for Dortmund midfielders Marco Reus, who has a hamstring injury, and Mario Goetze, who has been diagnosed with a metabolism disorder.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan also misses out as he recovers from a knee injury.
Despite having announced his retirement last year, Lukas Podolski has been included to make his 130th and final appearance for die Mannschaft against England.
“It’s fantastic that Lukas can say goodbye in this fantastic setting,” said Loew.
“He will get a worthy finish and he deserves it.”
Germany squad
Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona/ESP)
Defenders: Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal/ENG), Sebastian Rudy (Hoffenheim), Antonio Ruediger Roma/ITA), Niklas Suele (Hoffenheim)
Midfielder: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Emre Can (Liverpool/ENG), Julian Draxler (Paris St. Germain/FRA), Sami Khedira (Juventus/ITA), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/ESP), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal/ENG), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray Istanbul/TUR), Leroy Sane (Manchester City/ENG), Andre Schuerrle (Borussia Dortmund), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (VfL Wolfsburg), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
