Joachim Loew’s Germany will be one of the leading contenders at this summer’s European Championship in France. The 2014 World Cup winners will fancy their chances of emulating Vicente del Bosque’s Spain side of 2008 and 2010 of holding both major titles at the same time and will be tough to beat if they perform at their very best.
Germany have one of the strongest squads in world football and it would take a brave man to back against Loew’s men, especially after their impressive qualifying campaign.
With the likes of Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng in defensive areas, Germany boast one of the most reliable and organised quartets on the planet and Loew will be hoping they all avoid major injury issues in the build-up to the tournament.
In midfield, Germany have an abundance of talent and plenty of top stars will miss out on the chance to feature for their nation on the biggest stage of all.
Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira will all compete for the central positions and Loew will have the almost impossible task of selecting the right players throughout the competition.
In attack, Loew doesn’t have as many big-name talents to choose from but Germany still remain a major threat. Thomas Muller, Max Kruse and Lukas Podolski were all prominent throughout the qualifying campaign while former Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle can also play upfront if needed.
Ultimately, Germany’s versatility in attack and midfield will determine whether they soar or flop in France this summer – and Loew knows it. The 56-year-old has been known to adopt a ‘false nine’ formation at times and Muller is one of the best at playing that role.
The Bayern Munich star has been in great form for both his club and country throughout the past 18 months and will be central to their attacking play. Muller finished as the top European goal scorer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Europe’s elite nations will have to keep a close eye on him if they are to stop Germany from winning the Euros.
Overall, Germany have what it takes to win the competition this summer. They are organised defensively, have enough strength in midfield and a plethora of attacking talent at their disposal. Loew has been there and done it all but a first European Championship crown since 1996 could see him regarded as the best Germany manager of all-time.
