German women’s national football team head coach Christian Wück has named a 24-player squad for the upcoming home friendlies against Australia and Japan, featuring a record six players from the English Women’s Super League. The squad selection, announced in Frankfurt am Main, kicks off the competitive build-up toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Squad Selection and English Super League Influx
Wück has integrated six players from English clubs into his latest roster, marking a historic high for the DFB-Frauen. Among them is 19-year-old winger Lisa Baum, who earns her maiden senior call-up following her move to Arsenal from Leipzig. Alongside Baum, the English-based contingent features Sjoeke Nüsken (FC Chelsea), Lea Schüller (Manchester United), Vivien Endemann (FC Liverpool), Manchester City’s Carlotta Wamser, and Selina Cerci.
Wück noted that eleven players in the current squad are based outside of Germany, emphasizing that playing time remains the primary currency for selection. The head coach also pointed to a broader trend in domestic football, expressing concern that Bundesliga matchday squads increasingly feature only a handful of players eligible for the German national team.
Goalkeeper Changes and Captain’s Return
First-choice goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger of the United States club Gotham FC will sit out the upcoming fixtures following an agreement with the coaching staff. Wück explained that the 35-year-old was due for a scheduled break during the demanding American league schedule. In her absence, Ena Mahmutovic of FC Bayern Munich, Stina Johannes of VfL Wolfsburg, and Laura Dick of TSG Hoffenheim make up the goalkeeping group, with Mahmutovic slated to receive playing time.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich defender and team captain Giulia Gwinn returns to the squad. Gwinn missed the World Cup qualifying fixtures against Norway and Slovenia in June due to a shoulder operation.
Injuries and Roster Absences
The DFB selection is missing several key defensive figures due to injury. Central defenders Rebecca Knaak of Manchester City and Kathrin Hendrich of 1. FC Köln are both unavailable. In addition, former Frankfurt player Nicole Anyomi remains sidelined as she undergoes individual rehabilitation training with London City Lionesses.
Eintracht Frankfurt captain Laura Freigang remains included in the squad despite facing an ongoing disciplinary matter. DFB Director of Women’s Football Nia Künzer confirmed that Freigang is eligible to play and earned her spot through athletic performance. The 28-year-old faces a potential suspension from the National Anti-Doping Agency over three missed out-of-competition doping tests within a twelve-month period, with the case currently pending before the DFB sports court.
Upcoming Fixtures and World Cup Preparation
The DFB-Frauen face Australia on October 9 at 20:30 in Karlsruhe, broadcast live on ZDF. They then meet Japan on October 13 at 17:45 in Bremen, with live coverage on ARD. Wück stressed the importance of testing the team against non-European opponents ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, which runs from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
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