Just days before the start of the World Cup, Julian Nagelsmann lost the services of Bayern Munich talent Lennart Karl, with the latter being forced to leave the squad due to injury. The German coach is holding on tightly to his other two starters, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, two players who could make the difference in this World Cup.

After the 2-1 success in the friendly against the USA, Nagelsmann focused on these two players: "Jamal is getting better and better, while Florian has been in top form for a few weeks. Despite having had some physical problems recently, his physical condition has been steadily improving. Both are very important players for us", said Nagelsmann.

Germany will make their World Cup debut on June 14 against Curacao. Nagelsmann's team is in Group E alongside Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao. The four-time World Champions are not seen as favourites to win this World Cup, but the tradition and elements Nagelsmann has at his disposal, above all the Bayern Munich base, give the fans and the coach confidence to develop a positive tournament.