Overview
- Julian Nagelsmann included Said El Mala in a 25-man Germany squad for qualifiers on November 14 in Luxembourg and November 17 against Slovakia in Leipzig.
- El Mala, 19, has four goals in nine Bundesliga appearances for 1. FC Köln and featured most recently for Germany’s U21s in October.
- Dietmar Hamann called the senior promotion premature and said he would have waited until spring, citing hype and reported interest from clubs in Spain and England.
- Oliver Kahn voiced skepticism about swift promotions after only a few strong games but noted a coach may wish to evaluate young players in training and within the group.
- El Mala is the first Köln player called to the senior national team since Jonas Hector, who last played for Germany in November 2019.