Per Mertesacker would only make one change following Germany’s 2-1 defeat against Japan. The 2014 World Cup winner believes Thilo Kehrer should start at right-back with Niklas Süle shifting alongside Antonio Rüdiger, meaning Nico Schlotterbeck would drop to the bench.
Speaking on the latest episode of Was geht, WM, the former Arsenal defender wouldn’t “throw everything overboard” following the Japan game. The 38-year-old added that he would like the Germany players communicate better and to help each other out.
Kehrer was named in Flick’s first starting XI against Liechtenstein in September and has played in 14 of Flick’s 17 games in charge and so his omission from the squad against Japan perhaps came as a surprise.
Mertesacker praised Spain’s efficiency following their 7-0 win against Costa Rica on Wednesday but does believe that Germany can win on Sunday. A win against Luis Enrique’s side would see Germany place them in an excellent position heading into their final Group E game against Costa Rica.
Speaking to media ahead of tomorrow’s game, Hansi Flick stated that a three-man midfield of Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gündogan and Leon Goretzka could be an option against Spain but that it’s unlikely that Kimmich would play at right-back, given that several players can play that position.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
