Euros Preview: Germany

Above: Germany taking on Australia in Alex Popp’s last game before retirement. Photo: DFB/Yuliia Perekopaiko.

By Boh Blythin (27/6/25).

Germany are heading into the 2025 Euros ready to compete for their place at the summit of European football, led by captain Giulia Gwinn. They prepare to clash with rivals Sweden and Denmark in a thrilling Group C, showcasing an eager youthful team led by coach Christian Wück. A bronze medal in the Olympics last year gave fans a glimpse of where the side could reach this summer, but they will have to put up a fight to get there.

Squad List:

GOALKEEPERS: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Stina Johannes (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ena Mahmutovic (Bayern Munich).

DEFENDERS: Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich), Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars), Franziska Kett (Bayern Munich), Sophia Kleinherne (Eintracht Frankfurt), Rebecca Knaak (Manchester City), Sarai Linder (Wolfsburg), Janina Minge (Wolfsburg), Carlotta Wamser (Bayer Leverkusen).

MIDFIELDERS: Sara Dabritz (Lyon), Linda Dallmann (Bayern Munich), Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea), Elisa Senss (Eintracht Frankfurt).

FORWARDS: Jule Brand (Wolfsburg), Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich), Selina Cerci (Hoffenheim), Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt), Giovanna Hoffmann (RB Leipzig), Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich), Cora Zicai (Wolfsburg).

Head Coach:

Inline image — **Above:** Christian Wuck. **Photo:** Getty Images.

The former Wolfsburg forward is in charge of the women’s senior team after starting his journey in August 2024 and is on a two year contract. He previously guided Germany’s U17 male team to Euros and World Cup glory, and there’s no doubt he’s more than ready to start the women’s revolution.

Euros History:

Germany is the most successful team in UEFA Women’s Euro history, with eight titles. This includes winning six times in a row from 1995 to 2013 and since then Germany’s legacy has remained unmatched. In 2022, the side reached the final where they lost to a strong England side. Now, as a team that other sides will be determined to beat, Germany are back aiming to reclaim what was once theirs with a new generation of youth talent.

How they qualified:

Germany qualified by topping Group A of the Nations League, facing Austria, Iceland, and Poland. They earned automatic qualification after earning their place in the top two, alongside Switzerland. Some victories included a 3–2 away win to Austria, 3–1 at home win to Iceland, and a 4–1 home win vs Poland.

Strengths:

The side’s history alone proves what the German side is capable of. In high-stakes matches there is a winning culture and mentality between all players on the pitch, they have experience and belief which other teams are yet to reach. The team includes many versatile players, allowing Wuck to rotate his squad without losing its quality. Many of these players can play in a variety of roles emphasising the squad’s depth, keeping opponents unaware of what style of play, formation and tactics the side may use.

As well as this the German side includes some of the most impressive forwards, including the likes of Lea Schüller and Laura Freigang. These players have the ability to deliver a solid performance each game and create goals consistently. Germany can create danger to opponents from a range of set pieces, which could lead to match winners and success.

Development Areas:

However, Germany lack defensive players. Despite having strong players upfront, the squad is short of defenders who can consistently thrive from the back. It is worrying that if any injuries happen to take place the side could struggle defensively. Alongside this, the players may not have much chemistry within partnerships due to squad rotation and lack of consistent time on the pitch with one another.

Key Players:

Lea Schüller is Germany’s main striker since Alexandra Popp’s retirement. She was the top goal scorer in qualifying for the European tournament with six goals. Her ability to score in high pressure situations, especially in the air is exceptional. Now that she is the focal point of Germany’s attacking play, Schüller holds the pressure to maintain her performances and play a crucial role in the team’s campaign.

Captain Giulia Gwinn will also play a crucial role in Germany’s European journey. She contributed to helping her country earn bronze at the 2024 Olympics after two ACL injuries. Named Germany’s Player of the Year in 2024, she sets the tone and leads her team from the back.

One to Watch:

A rising star and one to watch throughout the tournament this summer is Jule Brand. The 22-year old is a versatile player with the ability to play as a winger or attacking midfielder, meaning she could easily switch roles mid game or be used as a quick rotation. She also scored and assisted in both the 2022 Euros and the 2024 Olympics, proving she can create an impact in important games.

Success would be:

For supporters, success would be to win the tournament and watch a team of youth lift the international team’s 9th European trophy. This would start a new era for the team with a team full of a new generation of football.

Prediction:

However, with the loss of legendary players Popp and Svenja Huth, Germany could come to an abrupt end during their Euro’s journey. As a strong team with youth hungry for a trophy and a strong history, they should be able to reach Semi finals. Germany have proven within the qualifying stage they can come back from behind to win games and it’s undoubtable that we will see more of this from the side as the tournament unfolds.