So far, the German U21 juniors have been able to rely on sports director Völler as an EM observer. If the finale succeeds, the national coach also sets off to Bratislava. There he would see players who recommend tasks.
One last step is still needed to come – and watch live in the stadium, which happens on the lawn below. If the German U21 juniors move into the European Championship final, national coach Julian Nagelsmann will be on site on Saturday (9 p.m.) in Bratislava. This was confirmed by the German Football Association (DFB) on Monday.
The U21 had made it to the semifinals on Sunday with a gripping 3: 2 after extra time against Italy. On Wednesday (9 p.m./Sat.1) France is the opponent in Kosice. In the final there would be a duel with the Netherlands or England, which was conquered 2-1 in the group phase.
So far, Nagelsmann has not visited an EM game. DFB sports director Rudi Völler was several times with the junior team in Slovakia. Rocco Reitz and his teammates did not disturb the fact that Nagelsmann did not sit in the Honor grandstand in the back and forth game against Azzurrini. “I don’t think he has to be here,” said the Mönchengladbacher, “but if he dropped by, we will of course be happy.” A win is still needed.
Recommended for higher tasks
Then Nagelsmann, who will definitely travel to Slovakia in September, because the A team there begins in Bratislava with the away game against Slovakia for the qualification round for the 2026 World Cup. Other opponents on the way to the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada are Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
In the absence of the national coach, the German U21 juniors have completed a previously successful tournament. One or the other player has already recommended themselves for higher tasks-and thus for missions in the A team from Nagelsmann.
Above all, Nick Woltemade. The striker of VfB Stuttgart came shortly before the tournament at the National League finals against Portugal (1: 2) and France (0: 2) to his first two missions for the A-selection, in which, however, in the end in both games, in which he was in the starting eleven, could not yet shine as in many compulsory games for VfB or now at the U21 European Championship. In the first game against Slovenia, the 1.98 meter long Woltemade had a triple pack, against the Czech Republic and now against Italy he scored a goal. Woltemade should be an integral part of the Nagelsmann team in the future – and fight for a place behind Kai Havertz.
In addition to Woltemade, no current U21 player has played an A-international game. Brajan Gruda and Rocco Reitz were part of the preparatory squad in 2024, but were not used.
But Reitz, for example, can calculate opportunities to be a fixed alternative in the Nagelsmann squad in the future. At the U21 European Championship, he convinces with its ball security, clever passes and as a clock. In addition, the midfield strategist is a real leader, the troop also holds together in the cabin with its relaxed, down-to-earth and funny way.
Paul Nebel, the offensive player of the 1st FSV Mainz 05, also stands out these days. In the recently ended season, he came up with 16 goal participation in 31 games. At the European Championship, he was able to contribute a goal against the Czech Republic (4: 2). However, he stayed pale in the quarter -finals against the Italians, and had to give way after an hour for the later winning goal scorer Merlin Röhl.
In addition, Noah Atubolu, the goalkeeper from SC Freiburg, is a candidate for the A-selection in the near future. In the Bundesliga, he set a record by staying without a goal for a total of 609 minutes – nobody grabbed that. At the U21 European Championship, it is also a safe backing, radiates calm and reliability. And already showed one or the other world-class parade. DFB goalkeeper coach Andreas Kronenberg apparently already has an eye on him-and is in exchange. The Swiss Kronenberg worked for SC Freiburg before his DFB engagement (he has been with the association since 2021).
Should one of the established keepers (Marc-André Ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann or Alexander Nübel slide or injure themselves up to the World Cup.
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