Germany Fc: Nagelsmann Lifts Curtain on Starting XI Ahead of Switzerland Friendly
germany fc head coach Julian Nagelsmann has revealed almost his entire starting XI for the friendly against Switzerland, a decisive tune-up before the World Cup squad is finalised. The match is set for Friday at St. Jakob-Park, with kick-off scheduled for 8. 45 pm ET. The selections and last-minute withdrawals mean this friendly will serve as a live audition for players on the margins.
Germany Fc: Expanding details
Nagelsmann has signalled a largely settled back line and a move to give minutes to key returning players. Oliver Baumann is named in goal, with Joshua Kimmich on the right, Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck at centre-back and David Raum on the left. The manager has lined up Angelo Stiller alongside Leon Goretzka in midfield, with Leroy Sané, Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry in the attacking trio and Kai Havertz leading the line.
The manager confirmed the 4-2-3-1 shape that has been used recently and has chosen to start Kai Havertz to regain rhythm with the national side. Several players originally named in the squad will not be available: Jamal Musiala is absent, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha have withdrawn and more recently Jamie Leweling and goalkeeper Jonas Urbig have also pulled out. Nagelsmann has called up Angelo Stiller and Chris Führich as replacements and brought in Finn Dahmen to cover the goalkeeper vacancy.
Switzerland are expected to stick with a back four and their likely setup includes Gregor Kobel in goal, Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji in central defence, with Granit Xhaka anchoring midfield and Breel Embolo leading the attack. Switzerland arrive unbeaten in a long run of matches and will host at St. Jakob-Park, where they have enjoyed recent strong home form.
Immediate reactions
Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of the German national team, was explicit about his choices and objectives. “Kai Havertz will start. He’s been away for a long time, we want to give him minutes. He also needs to get back into the rhythm with us, ” Nagelsmann said. On his defensive picks he added, “Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck will start tomorrow. Antonio Rüdiger is extremely committed, regardless of his role, whether it’s from the start, from the bench, or not at all. He has assured us that he will give his all. “
Nagelsmann also described the selection of Angelo Stiller as a test for a deep midfield role and praised younger players’ training form when considering places on the roster.
What’s next
This friendly is one of two March fixtures designed to sharpen choices ahead of the final World Cup squad announcement in May. Expect Nagelsmann to monitor playing time carefully: the match will be used to assess match fitness and tactical cohesion, and the manager has already signalled he will rotate where needed. The immediate follow-up will be the second friendly in the international window and then a closing evaluation period before the squad deadline; germany fc will need positive minutes from returning stars and fringe players alike to solidify selection hopes.
