After enduring numerous years of disappointment, Germany is preparing to commence their EURO 2024 campaign with a significant amount of optimism. Since the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann, the German team has displayed flashes of considerable potential, albeit overshadowed by instances of poor mistakes and execution.

Now, excuses are no longer acceptable. Nagelsmann, who turned down an opportunity to return to Bayern Munich, carries a heavy burden in this competition. If he fails to extract a strong performance from this team, can anyone else?

Regarding team updates, Aleksandar Pavlovic withdrew from the EURO 2024 squad due to tonsillitis, leading to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Emre Can being drafted in as his replacement. Apart from this change, all players initially announced in the Euro squad list are fit and available for selection — with Niclas Füllkrug being the only potential doubt due to a lingering knee problem.

Assuming Füllkrug is unable to start immediately, the coach is expected to stick with the starting XI tested in the friendlies against Ukraine and Greece. This lineup features Kai Havertz leading the attack, flanked by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala on the wings. Captain İlkay Gündoğan is likely to operate behind the striker, supported by Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich in midfield.

In defense, Maximillian Mittelstädt could be favored as the left-back option, while Joshua Kimmich is anticipated to start on the right. Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah are set to form the center-back partnership for the Euros, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer guarding the goal. This is how the lineup could potentially shape up.

Possible line-ups

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstädt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gündoğan, Wirtz; Havertz

Scotland: Gunn; Porteous, Hendry, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, McGregor, Robertson; McGinn, Adams, Christie