Overview

• Germany face Slovakia in Bratislava on Thursday to open Group A, which also includes Northern Ireland and Luxembourg, with only the group winner qualifying directly for the World Cup.
• Nagelsmann confirmed Joshua Kimmich’s shift from right back into central midfield to strengthen the spine after teams recently found too much space through the middle.
• The coach kept his defensive shape under wraps, saying a back three or back four are both possible after a brief preparation window.
• Nick Woltemade, fresh off his transfer to Newcastle United, has very good chances to feature in attack as the coach said he can already show himself at national-team level.
• Nnamdi Collins is a plausible option for a debut at right back, while Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Nico Schlotterbeck and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen are unavailable through injury, with Northern Ireland up next on Sunday in Cologne.