Germany vs Scotland: Lineups, team news, will Kai Havertz or Niclas Füllkrug start up top, and more!

After many (many) years of disappointment, Germany are set to kick off their EURO 2024 campaign with a large amount of hope. Since appointing Julian Nagelsmann, the Germans have shown glimpses of serious potential, marred by poor mistakes and poor execution.

Well, the time for excuses is past. Nagelsmann, who rejected a chance to return to Bayern Munich, has a lot riding on this competition. If he can’t squeeze out a good performance from this team, can anyone?

Team news

Aleksandar Pavlovic dropped out of the EURO 2024 squad with tonsilitis, and was replaced by Borussia Dortmund midfielder Emre Can. Aside from that, everyone announced on the original Euro squad list is fit and ready to play — only Niclas Füllkrug is a potential doubt do to a lingering knee issue.

Assuming Füllkrug can’t start right away, the coach is likely expected to go with the starting XI he tested in the friendlies vs Ukraine and Greece. That means having Kai Havertz up top, supported by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala on the wings. Captain İlkay Gündoğan likely slots in behind the striker, while Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich man the midfield.

In defense, Maximillian Mittelstädt may be the preferred choice at left-back, while Joshua Kimmich is likely to start on the right. Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah are the designated center-back pairing for the Euros, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer behind them. Here’s what that lineup could look like:

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