Overview
- DFB leaders warned against further slip-ups, and Julian Nagelsmann publicly set the goal of beating Luxembourg on Friday and Northern Ireland on Monday to keep direct World Cup qualification on track.
- Nagelsmann said Thomas Müller has the qualities to coach but ruled out a World Cup 2026 assistant role due to the ex-international’s Vancouver Whitecaps contract; Müller’s teased announcement was later confirmed as a World Cup TV pundit deal with MagentaTV.
- In-form Bayern contingent members stressed they can transfer club rhythm to the national team, with Jonathan Tah citing Bayern’s “flow” and Serge Gnabry embracing a larger leadership role.
- England under Thomas Tuchel beat Wales 3-0 with a lineup that started without players from Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United for the first time since 1992, as Tuchel criticized a quiet Wembley; Jude Bellingham was not called up and Harry Kane sat out with a knock.
- Florian Wirtz’s slow start at Liverpool has drawn scrutiny, yet Opta data show he leads the Premier League this season in chances created across competitions, supporting calls for patience.