The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes without any reaction to his injury, and was named in BVB’s starting line-up for Saturday’s 2-0 win against Mainz 05.

With 180 minutes under his belt, German national team coach Julian Nagslemann confirmed that Schlotterbeck would be in the squad for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Nagelsmann said: “He gives us outstanding build-up play, a superb will to win, and finally a left foot at the back.

“He was the best man on the pitch in his last international match against Italy and is welcome to be that again.

“He’ll definitely be there [in the squad], and he’s also deserved it.”

Germany find themselves third in Group A following a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia before a 3-1 win against Northern Ireland.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Völler had planned to retire after the World Cup next summer, but due to Julian Nagelsmann and the current Germany squad, he may have changed his mind: 

“Actually, I had planned to retire in 2026, But I’ll be honest: Julian Nagelsmann, the team, and the entire squad have grown on me.” 

Speaking to Sky, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf confirmed that the pair will sit down soon to talk about a possible extension: 

” Rudi is an integral part of this team. We have a very, very close relationship. We’ve agreed that we’ll meet again soon and see if we can move forward.”

Adding:

“I am very optimistic that this can succeed, but of course we have to sit down together and discuss these things in detail.”

Völler returned to the national team set up in 2022 after the World Cup and his time as a director at Bayer Leverkusen. The former striker would then take up his role as sporting director in 2023 and was involved in the sacking of Hansi Flick and the hiring of Julian Nagelsmann as Bundestrainer. Völler even returned to manage Germany for one game, nearly 20 years after his previous time in charge of the national team. 

Nagelsmann also extended his contract as German national team head coach earlier this year. On his relationship with Völler, the head coach said: 

“We have a special relationship. He’s an incredibly good and kind person who has no sensitivities and tries to create a good atmosphere for all of us. We really enjoy working with him, but he decides his own future. I would be very happy if he continued, but he’s old enough not to need my advice.”

On Thursday, Germany faces Italy in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals. The second leg will be played in Dortmund on Sunday evening. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan

In what has been a whirlwind 24 months for Füllkrug, the Borussia Dortmund striker has become a key figure for the German national team. In 15 appearances for Germany, Füllkrug has registered an impressive eleven goals, including scoring at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, despite leading the line for BvB on a regular basis in the Bundesliga and Europe, the 31-year-old does not allow himself to become complacent. Füllkrug works significantly hard every week, and this is reflected in his performances for Die Schwarzgelben this season.

The former Bremen striker has scored 12 goals and collected eight assists in another phenomenal personal season. This has, therefore, ensured that, alongside fellow Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck, Füllkrug earned his sport at EURO 2024.

It was revealed on WDR’s 1live radio show that Nagelsmann has elected to include Füllkrug in his squad on Tuesday morning, leading to the Dortmund striker commenting on his appreciation:

“I get goosebumps when I think about it. It makes me so proud.”

Regardless, Füllkrug revealed later that he had an inkling that he would be nominated for the German national team after a discussion with Nagelsmann:

“We talked in private for a long time at the last course. If he’s having these conversations and you’re not on the fence, you should understand that he’s planning on you.”

For Füllkrug, the future is now clear: win the Champions League and EURO 2024. Nevertheless, even if the 31-year-old does end his campaign trophyless, his journey to the top has been one he may never have expected.

GGFN | Will Shopland

The Bayern captain has suffered multiple setbacks in recent months after hoping that a return would have been possible at the start of the season. However, after completing a training session on Thursday without any pain, according to Bild, the 37-year-old has been given the green light to return by the physios and doctors.

Nevertheless, it is now up to Thomas Tuchel to decide whether a return to the team for Neuer will be made on Saturday. But, with Bayern set to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, Tuchel may give his shot-stopper more time to ensure he is fully fit. 

However, when speaking about Neuer’s return last month, Tuchel stated that he trusts his goalkeeper’s judgement and believes that if Neuer thinks he is ready, then he will not stand in his way in regards to returning to the squad:

“He continues to be very positive. Because he also believes that once he is in team training, it will be very, very quickly that he will come back and have what he needs for a competition. I believe him too. He knows himself better than I know him!”

GGFN | Will Shopland

The Bayern shot-stopper has been sidelined for almost a year after suffering a broken leg during a freak skiing incident shortly after Germany were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup. However, after multiple setbacks, Neuer is now edging closer to first team training once again.

Nevertheless, the 37-year-old’s absence from the Bayern rearguard has been notable. Therefore, with his contract set to expire in the summer, Die Rekordmeister are looking to begin contract negotiations with Neuer in the near future.

As well as this, back up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich should also be offered a new deal by the club with his contract due to expire alongside Neuer’s in the summer of 2024. It is understood that Ulreich is willing to stay at the club for one more season and act as a backup to the Bayern captain – offering further competition to Daniel Peretz.

GGFN | Will Shopland

Nevertheless, a run of five games without victory – as Germany prepare for Euro 2024 on home soil – was the final nail in the head coach’s coffin. As Germany begin the hunt for a successor, Flick’s future remains in the air.

It would be easy to forget the positive work Flick achieved while at Bayern Munich after such a disappointing stint in charge of the national side. However, the 58-year-old transformed an uninspiring Bayern side into sextuple winners while in charge at the Allianz Arena. 

A two-year spell that heralded a historic campaign for Die Rekordmeister left Flick being regarded as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe. If he is to return to management, who could lure the former Champions League-winning head coach?

It would be understandable to see Flick take time away from the game to recuperate in a similar manner to Julian Nagelsmann. As well as this, with European football campaigns having just got underway, there will be few opportunities appearing presentable right away. 

Nevertheless, there are a plethora of sides that could view the departure of Flick as a silver lining to their current misfortunes. The 58-year-old has consistently been linked with a possible move to the Premier League, and most notably, to Chelsea.

While Mauricio Pochettino has recently been placed in charge at Stamford Bridge, Todd Boehly has shown with the dismissal of Graham Potter that he is not willing to wait for results to turn around. If the Argentinian continues to oversee Chelsea’s lack of development, then a door may open up for Flick in London.

While there are always openings across Europe, the Bundesliga would welcome Flick back with open arms. However, a manager of his ilk would more than likely have his eye on two jobs in particular. 

The remarkable story would undoubtedly be Flick returning to the dugout in Bavaria. The success experienced just a few years ago would stand the head coach in good stead, while previous disputes with those higher up at the club would no longer be an issue with various changes having been made since his departure.

If Bayern believe Flick returning would be best for the club, then they will get it done despite what Thomas Tuchel achieves. However, Tuchel is yet to set the world alight for Die Rekordmeister and with tensions growing at the Säbener Straße, time could already be ticking for Tuchel.

Nevertheless, Flick may wait for another opening to shock German football. After throwing the Bundesliga title away last season, Dortmund have failed to hit the ground running this term. 

Disappointing performances and results have plagued BVB, and Edin Terzić is beginning to feel the pressure. While Nagelsmann would certainly be an option if the door was to open, prizing a proven winner in Flick to the Westfalenstadion could be a serious statement from Die Schwarzgelben.

Regardless of what is next for Flick, he will have to take time to reflect on what went wrong with the national side. Whether it was a case of the right man at the wrong time, or whether he simply failed to implement his style.

But the Premier League and Bundesliga would remain his most likely destination, and by the new year, the 58-year-old could find himself back in football. A phenomenal manager with an eye for success, will Flick return to his once astonishing best?

GGFN | Will Shopland

Klinsmann’s contract is five years and will expire after the 2026 World Cup which is to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026. His first match in charge will be in Ulsan where they will play Colombia on the 24th March. Klinsmann will live in Korea during his time in charge. 

On his appointment, Klinsmann said: “I am very happy and honored to be the manager of the Korean soccer team. I am well aware that the Korean national team is constantly developing and making results over a long period of time. I am honored to succeed the great managers who have commanded the Korean national team, from coach Gus Hiddink to former coach Paul Bento. We will do our best to achieve successful results in the upcoming Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup.”

Klinsmann has previously managed Bayern Munich where he failed to win the league as they finished second, two points behind Wolfsburg. At Hertha, he only lasted nine games before stepping down as head coach. At international level, the 58-year-old has managed the US where he led them to the round of 16 at the World Cup in 2014. While with Germany he led them to a third-place finish at the World Cup in 2006 after losing to eventual winners Italy in the semi-finals. 

South Korea reached the round of 16 of the World Cup before losing 4-1 to Brazil. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan 

Following Christopher Nkunku’s knee injury that ruled the RB Leipzig attacker out of the tournament, Kolo Muani was the player that Didier Deschamps called upon. The 24-year-old scored France’s second goal against Morocco in the semi-final and would terrorise Nicolás Otamendi & Co. in the final.

Kolo Muani was magnificent on the night despite France falling short. A free transfer from FC Nantes in the summer, the Frenchman won the penalty for Kylian Mbappé’s first goal of the night, and came close to winning the World Cup with virtually the last kick of the game, forcing Emi Martinez into a phenomenal save.

Kolo Muani described his first World Cup as a “magical experience,” adding: “Playing here makes me incredibly proud. I enjoyed every minute. I didn’t expect to be here.”

SGE sporting director Markus Krösche added: “Randal played a very strong final. We are very proud of him. France came back into the game after he was substituted on. Everyone saw what a strong player he is. Also he represented Eintracht Frankfurt excellently. He almost scored the winning goal.”

With 5 goals and 10 assists in 14 Bundesliga games for Eintracht Frankfurt this season, Kolo Muani was fully deserving of his place in the France squad and now has his name on the world stage.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

“It was a nice experience even though I played against him at club level,” said Gvardiol. “He’s a completely different type of player at club level and in the national team.

“I’m glad that I played against him even though we lost but one day I’ll tell my children that I defended against Messi, the best player who’s ever played, for 90 minutes.”

Gvardiol is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most talented defenders and has shone for RB Leipzig this season. The 20-year-old, who can also operate at left-back, has played every minute for Croatia at the World Cup.

His performances in the last 18 months has attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. With Champions League experience at such a young age, Gvardiol was wanted by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.

Gvardiol has a contract with RB Leipzig until 2027 and with no reported release clause, the Saxony club can demand a significant fee for their promising defender, but a move in 2023 may not yet happen. Agent Marjan Sisic discussed his clients future last week: “Regarding a possible transfer in 2023, we are not in a hurry and I can make clear that there are no pre-arrangements with any clubs.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

The US international made his World Cup debut as a substitute in the 83rd minute against England and was then introduced in the 46th minute against The Netherlands. According to Kicker, Reyna was on the verge of being sent home by US coach Gregg Berhalter.

In a speech he gave in New York last week, the US coach stated that there had been so many problems with a member of the squad in Qatar that he had almost been sent home. Without confirming the name of the player, Berhalter said: “We were ready to book a plane ticket home for him, that’s how extreme it was.”

Today ESPN and The Athletic have reported that the player is likely to have been BVB’s Gio Reyna. When questioned, however, Berhalter refused to confirm this saying simply: “It doesn’t matter who it was.”

The Stars and Stripes coach however did expand on the issues with the unnamed player: “We had a player who didn’t live up to expectations on and off the field,” Berhalter added, in his speech, which he later explained was not supposed to be made public: “He was one of 26 players, so he stood out. We sat together for hours and thought about what to do with this player. We were ready to book a plane ticket home for him, it was that extreme.”

According to the report, the player was later persuaded to resolve the problem with the team: “We told him you have to apologise to the group, but you also have to say why you are apologising. It has to go deeper than just ‘guys, I’m sorry’.”

In an effort to resolve the matter, the player was asked to apologise to the team, which former Crystal Palace player Berhalter, who has been in post with the USMNT since 2018, confirmed happened and with a positive outcome. According to the national team coach the apology was: ‘very well received by the team.’

The Athletic has since confirmed, citing an ‘anonymous source’ that the unnamed player is Reyna. They also elaborated that the issue arose out of a lack of professionalism on the part of the 20-year-old in USA’s friendly against Qatari club Al-Gharafa and training before the World Cup opener against Wales which ended 1-1.

The Daily Mail confirmed more details; the issues with Reyna are reported to have been so problematic that “it made his teammates turn against him” which resulted in the threat of having to leave the team’s Doha camp at the Qatar tournament. 

The 20-year-old midfielder has had a frustrating season which has been repeatedly set back by injuries in recent months. Reyna has played just 10 games in the Bundesliga this season, scoring two goals.

Things have started to look up for the BVB midfielder since returning to duties this week. Following the elimination of the USMNT by The Netherlands, Reyna scored the winning goal in BVB’s win in the friendly against Rapid Vienna although Die Schwarz-Gelben later crashed to a 0-2 loss against Fiorentina in the ‘Christmas Cup’ – a three-team tournament in Bucharest.

GGFN | Ben McFadyean