Germany's Euro 2024 Squad Leaks: Leroy Sané Among Confirmed Players
Germany's national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, was set to unveil his Euro 2024 squad on Thursday, but the lineup has been revealed through unconventional means, sparking widespread excitement.
In an unconventional move, the German Soccer Federation opted to "leak" several squad selections through various channels, including bakeries, radio programs, entertainers, and art venues. Leroy Sané, the sidelined Bayern Munich winger, was among the nine players whose inclusion was confirmed prior to Nagelsmann's official announcement.
The Frankfurter Kunsthalle art exhibition venue disclosed Sané's inclusion, adding to the intrigue surrounding the squad reveal. Other players confirmed include Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Füllkrug, Stuttgart winger Chris Führich, Eintracht Frankfurt defender Robin Koch, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, and Stuttgart defender Maximilian Mittelstädt, whose confirmation was shared by singer Peter Schilling on Instagram.
Mittelstädt's selection was celebrated with Schilling's 1980s hit "Major Tom," a tribute that resonated with German fans, leading to a petition for it to become the official goal-jingle. Additionally, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, and Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović have also been called up.
Despite strong performances towards the end of the season, there will be no return for Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka or Mats Hummels, the 35-year-old Dortmund defender who played a pivotal role in his team's journey to the Champions League final.
Sané, though suspended for Germany's upcoming warm-up match against Ukraine on June 3, will be available for selection when they face Greece on June 7 for their final tournament preparation in Mönchengladbach.
The Euro 2024 hosts will kick off their campaign against Scotland in Munich on June 14, followed by matches against Hungary in Stuttgart on June 19 and Switzerland in Frankfurt on June 23.
