News Focus
- Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl will make his Germany debut against Finland
- Midfield pair Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlović earn starting roles
- Deniz Undav leads the line with Kai Havertz absent for Arsenal’s European final
- Oliver Baumann replaces injured captain Manuel Neuer between the posts
- Nagelsmann wants to build rhythm quickly ahead of the World Cup
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has named several players who will start Sunday’s World Cup warm-up clash against Finland. The coach spoke to reporters on Saturday.
Felix Nmecha will join Aleksandar Pavlović in the centre of the park. The pair will control the midfield.
Further forward, teenage Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl will earn his first cap. The 18-year-old caught the manager’s eye in training. Deniz Undav will play as the main striker. He replaces Kai Havertz, who is busy with Arsenal in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also out. He is still recovering from an injury. Oliver Baumann will guard the net instead.
This is the first of two warm-up games before the World Cup. Germany will face the United States next week. Nagelsmann said he will not try too many new things.
“We do not have much time. We want to find our rhythm fast. You will see many players who could start our first World Cup game,” Nagelsmann explained.