Germany host Ukraine on Monday evening in the first of three friendlies as they prepare for next year’s Euro 2024, of which they will host, and therefore don’t need to qualify for.
After their elimination in the group stages at the World Cup, Hansi Flick and the squad must improve, and their game against Ukraine gives them an opportunity to do so.
Flick has already confirmed that Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug, who finished as the Bundesliga’s joint top-scorer alongside Christopher Nkunku, will start in what’s expected to be a new system.
According to Kicker, Flick will setup his Germany squad in a 3-4-1-2, which would see Florian Wirtz play behind Kai Havertz and Füllkrug. Another option to play in the No. 10 role would be Jamal Musiala.
Brentford’s Kevin Schade won’t be an option after he had to withdraw from the squad following a muscular problem. Youssoufa Moukoko and Josha Vagnoman were both called-up as a replacement, but neither will take part as they’re due to meet up with the Germany U21 squad for the Euros, which takes place later this month.
Inter’s Robin Gosens and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gündogan have also been called-up but neither will partake on Monday evening following their involvement in the Champions League final.
Predicted Germany XI vs Ukraine
Kevin Trapp – Antonio Rüdiger, Matthias Ginter, Nico Schlotterbeck – Marius Wolf, Emre Can, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum – Florian Wirtz – Kai Havertz, Niclas Füllkrug.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
