Julian Nagelsmann, Germany boss, has reacted to suggestions that Kai Havertz of Arsenal be left off of the Euro 2024 qualifying field.
In order to advance to the quarterfinals, host Germany—who finished first in Group A with seven points—will play Denmark on Saturday night.
Prior to going blank in Germany’s 2-0 victory over Hungary and 1-1 tie with Switzerland, Havertz scored in the team’s opening 5-1 thumping of Scotland.
Although the 25-year-old had a fantastic season with Arsenal, the runners-up in the Premier League, he has faced some criticism at the Euros.
The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive season for Premier League runners-up Arsenal but has been subjected to some criticism during the Euros.
Some pundits and fans have suggested Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug should be starting ahead of Havertz but Nagelsmann has defended the Gunner ahead of his side’s last-16 tie with Denmark.
Fullkrug, who played in the Champions League final earlier in the month, has impressed from the Germany bench at the Euros, scoring twice including a last-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland last time out.
‘If you look at it from the outside, a demand for Fulle is understandable, even though Kai comes off much worse in the public assessment,’ he told RTE.
He doesn’t have many ball actions since he usually has a defined duty to fulfill in games, which is to make room for others.
He performed that really nicely. Kai is rated far higher in the internal evaluation than he is in the public one.
It’s not always about just scoring goals for the striker. Should you are replaced while your opponent is already fatigued, you may have a little advantage in space.
Although Fullle has a high rating, Kai is a crucial member of our team. Who goes first [against Denmark] will be seen.
Germany’s last-16 opponents Denmark finished second in Group C behind England, who they held to a 1-1 draw.
But the Danes face a tough task in the knockout stages and ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton expects them to be eliminated by Germany.
‘I am covering this game with Vicki Sparks for Radio 5 live and I’m looking forward to seeing what Germany do next,’ he told BBC Sport.
‘They started the tournament like a train against Scotland and played well again against Hungary but then found it more difficult against Switzerland.
‘They fought back well to get a draw, though, and I am a big fan of Niclas Fullkrug who came on to score their goal.
For all three of those group matches, Germany’s boss Julian Nagelsmann started with the same lineup, but he will need to make at least one change in this one since Jonathan Tah is suspended after receiving two bookings.
We witnessed against England that Denmark is obstinate and well-prepared, and their wing-backs are crucial to their formation. When they get on the ball, they also have Christian Eriksen, who can make things go.
Despite this, I continue to believe that the hosts will win because they possess sufficient offensive firepower to breach the Danes’ defense.