Germany’s World Cup win, coupled with the star names in their squad, means that they will be one of the favourites to win the Euros. Photo: Afp
With the clock ticking down to Germany’s first Group C game against Ukraine in Lille on June 12, Low is waiting on injury updates regarding captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, defenders Jerome Boateng, Emre Can and Benedikt Hoewedes, and midfielder Julian Draxler.
“That’s five players capable of playing an important role that are injured. I admit a certain concern,” said Low recently. “You always get such problems ahead of every tournament. In 2014, Sami Khedira and Schweinsteiger were injured but we managed it. But of course now I hope they’ll all stay fit and their injuries won’t return.”
Manchester United’s Schweinsteiger is the biggest concern having injured knee ligaments before the March friendlies against England and Italy.
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“We’re in regular contact about how his progress is coming along and I’m hopeful,” said Low.
To add to his worries, Low’s team is suffering from erratic form.
They backed up a 3-2 defeat to England, having thrown away a 2-0 lead in Berlin, with a 4-1 thumping of Italy in Munich in March.
The Germans finished top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group, but their defensive frailties were exposed by defeats away to both Poland, who they will again meet in Group C, and the Republic of Ireland.
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“There are a few areas which are important and we have to improve upon, such as our behaviour in defence, our build-up play and our patterns of running,” said Low.
The 56-year-old will celebrate 10 years as Germany’s head coach after Euro 2016, having never played for his country at senior level.
Under his stewardship, Germany have cemented their reputation as a tournament team — capable of raising their performances for the big occasions.
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And Low can still rely on the core of his World Cup-winning squad.
Manuel Neuer is a shoe-in at goalkeeper, as are centre-backs Boateng, who is back in training at Bayern Munich after a groin injury, and Mats Hummels in front of defensive midfielders Schweinsteiger and Khedira.
In attack, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos can be confident of their places, but both wing-back roles are up for grabs while Mario Gotze and Mario Gomez are vying for the striker’s berth.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2016.
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