Stefan Ortega, the Manchester City goalkeeper, has been named in the Germany national team for the first time, as head coach Julian Nagelsmann announced his call-up for upcoming Nations League matches. The 32-year-old player will be part of a squad that includes Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel and Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, forming a trio of goalkeepers. This call-up comes amid the absence of Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, who is out due to a serious knee injury. The inclusion of Ortega marks a significant recognition in his career, showcasing the depth of German football talent.
Germany’s lineup also features Borussia Dortmund midfielders Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha, both of whom have recently impressed Nagelsmann and earned their place back in the squad. Brandt last appeared for the national team in November 2022, while Nmecha made his only previous appearance under former coach Hansi Flick during March 2023. Their return highlights Nagelsmann’s commitment to incorporating players who are performing well in their club careers into the national setup, aiming to enhance the squad’s dynamics ahead of key matches.
In the Nations League, Germany is preparing for two fixtures: hosting Bosnia and Herzegovina in Freiburg on November 16 and then traveling to Budapest to face Hungary three days later. The German team is in an advantageous position, having already secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the tournament following three victories and a draw in the group phase. Nagelsmann expressed his intent to finish at the top of their group, ideally in front of their home supporters in Freiburg, as a testament to the team’s progress and ambition within the competition.
Despite the positive outlook, Nagelsmann faces challenges due to several key player injuries. Alongside Ter Stegen, other notable absentees include West Ham’s Niclas Füllkrug, Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling, and Bayern’s Aleksander Pavlovic, as well as wingers Leroy Sané and defenders David Raum. Nagelsmann acknowledged the need for squad restructuring but remained optimistic about the overall strength of the team. He indicated that players like Leroy Sané are working on regaining form to contribute effectively upon their return.
Moreover, an interesting development emerged with the news that 18-year-old midfielder Paul Wanner declined the national team call-up. Wanner, currently on loan at Heidenheim from Bayern Munich, is eligible to represent either Austria or Germany but has yet to commit to a national team. His decision to remain with the under-21 squad reflects the ongoing balancing act for young players navigating their international career paths while proving themselves at club level.
The German squad features a strong defensive and offensive lineup, showcasing talent across all positions. The goalkeeping trio consists of Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart), and Stefan Ortega (Manchester City). The defense includes familiar names such as Robin Gosens, Benjamin Henrichs, and Antonio Rüdiger, while the midfield is bolstered by the likes of Robert Andrich, Jamal Musiala, and the returning Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha. Up front, Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz, and Tim Kleindienst will look to provide the firepower necessary for the matches ahead. Nagelsmann’s strategic adjustments and the engagement of promising talents will be crucial as Germany aims to solidify its standing in international football.
