Mats Hummels misses out as Julian Nagelsmann announces Germany squad for Euros 2024

Germany's Euro 2024 squad have been released, with uncapped Bayern Munich player Aleksandar Pavlovic, Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier, and Stuttgart striker Chris Führich the most surprising additions.

In addition to seniors Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Toni Kroos, and skipper Ilkay Gündogan, the preliminary squad featured Führich's Stuttgart colleagues forward Deniz Undav and defenders Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstädt. Leon Goretzka, Mats Hummels, and Julian Brandt were unexpected absences, as head coach Julian Nagelsmann preferred the previously mentioned Pavlovic and Eintracht Frankfurt's Robin Koch.

The 27-man team will be lowered to the tournament's maximum of 26 by June 7, when Germany plays the last friendly prior to the Euros. Nagelsmann acknowledged, however, that each of the four goalkeepers will travel to the Euros, implying that one outfield player is likely to be dismissed.

Germany announce Euro 2024 Squad in unique manner

Germany's UEFA Euro 2024 squad came to light over the span of a few days on a variety of sites. The candidature of Borussia Dortmund centre Nico Schlotterbeck was announced on Germany's largest and most-watched news programme. Rashid Hamid, a Tiktok celebrity and carer, announced Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah on a cake given to a 93-year-old woman known as "Grandma Lotti." 

Then a roofer and an additional social media celebrity declared Manuel Neuer, followed by a prominent radio station revealing Niclas Füllkrug's inclusion, and finally Chris Führich's visage appeared on a sticker on a package of baked goods at a bakery.

The method by which the German FA (DFB) revealed the roster generated arguably more of a commotion than the selection of players. Whether it was YouTubers, bloggers and podcasters, musicians, games show presenters, or even a painting in an art gallery, the news was given in a manner that seemed to cover all fields, demographics, and walks of German life.

Julian Nagelsmann spoke about the new method of announcement as he said, "The special thing is this a home Euros," Nagelsmann said at the announcement. "That's why it was a great idea to do it gradually. We noticed recently that information was getting through, so we took the matter into our own hands. Everyone in the country should idenfity with this team. I really thought it [the announcement] was great, at times emotional."