Changing starting XI would be risky business for Germany

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly pondering a decision to include Niclas Fullkrug in his starting lineup against Denmark instead of Kai Havertz. The hosts are set to face off against the Danes on Saturday, June 29 in Dortmund. Germany glided into the knockout round of Euro 2024 after going unbeaten in the group stage. Denmark, on the other hand, finished second in Group C behind a disappointing England team.

While the Germans are excelling in the tournament so far, many fans have become increasingly frustrated with Kai Havertz. Nagelsmann has opted to pick the versatile Arsenal star in all three of his starting XIs so far. After scoring a goal and providing an assist against Scotland, Havertz’s play has seemingly cooled off.

Because of this perceived drop in form, many are calling for Fullkrug to replace Havertz in Germany’s lineup. The Borussia Dortmund star is a more traditional center forward compared to Havertz. He also has made a significant impact entering the fray from the bench. Fullkrug has netted two goals in just 73 total minutes in the competition.

Germany reporter says Fullkrug will start on Saturday over Havertz

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has fueled speculation on the issue by claiming that Fullkrug will start against Denmark. While many German fans may be happy with the potential news, there is still a chance that Havertz remains in the starting XI as well. The reporter went on to say that the Arsenal star could drop further back to play as an attacking midfielder. If so, budding star Florian Wirtz may hit the bench.

Following the claims, Nagelsmann faced the media for a scheduled press conference. Despite being asked about the situation, the Germany manager would not show his cards just yet. Nagelsmann told reporters on Friday that he does not “give out information” on his starting lineups.

Although the current Germany boss would not say, Rudi Voller has backed Havertz. Voller was most recently the team’s caretaker following the departure of Hansi Flick in September of 2023. He is also the current director of the German national team as well.

“It’s relatively simple,” stated Voller. “Fullkrug’s scoring rate is exceptional. It’s incredible how he scored in the amount of playing time he gets. Nevertheless, Kai is a player I brought to Leverkusen when he was young, and he’s hugely important for the team.

“How he demands the ball, holds it, is always available to pass to, and wins headers. You also need a center forward who can play, even if it’s not the classic type for that position. In his own way, he does it exceptionally well.”

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Voller’s thoughts on the situation are seemingly very telling. Despite what others may believe, Havertz is an important piece of Germany’s puzzle. Positionally, he may not be a traditional center forward or a natural number 10. However, the 25-year-old star does the job for both club and country.

The optics show that Nagelsmann does not prefer Fullkrug. The Dortmund forward has managed to earn just three starts since the manager took over last fall (11 total matches). His final appearance in the coach’s starting XI came in a loss to Austria in November. Fullkrug came off at halftime.

Havertz could start on the bench this weekend despite playing regularly. Nevertheless, it would be a drastic move by the manager. Only Spain has earned more points in Euro 2024 than Germany. With the team playing well, tinkering with the lineup would be an extremely bold move by the young coach.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.