Germany Prepares for Matches Against Luxembourg and Slovakia

German coach Julian Nagelsmann conveyed his satisfaction with the squad’s development following recent games, highlighting their position at the summit of their qualification group after triumphs over Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

Nagelsmann has already designated more than a dozen players for the upcoming World Cup.

In Belfast, a goal from forward Nick Woltemade secured a 1-0 victory against Northern Ireland, marking his debut goal for the national team.

The German side, a four-time World Cup champion, leads Group A with nine points, closely followed by Slovakia, who edged out Luxembourg 2-0, separated only by goal difference. Northern Ireland occupies the third spot in the six-team group. The leading team from the group will directly qualify for the finals, while the second-place team will proceed to the playoffs.

Coach Nagelsmann stated that while they have a team in consideration, their primary focus remains on qualification. He added the importance of evaluating the players within the team dynamic, given their collaboration over nearly two years.

“We are formulating our World Cup squad,” Nagelsmann commented.

“However, qualifying is the immediate priority.”

“We must observe player progress within their respective clubs. A consistent group of fifteen or sixteen players has been together for approximately two years, enabling the identification of a stable team structure,” he added.

Key players like goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, attacker Kai Havertz, and playmaker Jamal Musiala have been unavailable for several months due to injuries.

Despite the absence of Antonio Rüdiger, Niclas Füllkrug, and Benjamin Henrichs, Nagelsmann is pleased with the team’s overall trajectory.

Germany is scheduled to play against Luxembourg away on November 14 and will then host Slovakia three days later.