With the 2018 World Cup right around the corner, Germany is preparing to defend their title. Since lifting the coveted title in Brazil in 2014, a number of key players have retired but new talent has emerged.
Die Mannschaft is one of the favorites to win the competition, and understandably so, given their excellent manager and amazing squad depth. But with that comes a selection headache, as many good players will be left home. Regardless, Joachim Low has just named his final squad for Russia.
Coach's objective
It's simple: winning the World Cup. Germany has the quality to win the trophy, but the competition will be tougher this time around. Nonetheless, Low will not want another failure to follow their Euro 2016 disappointment.
New faces
Although they are world-class players now, the likes of Kimmich and Ter Stegen will be headed for their first World Cup, having not featured in die Mannschaft's 2014 success.
Veterans
Manuel Neuer, despite having not featured for Bayern Munich since September, has been included in the squad. This comes as little surprise, as he remains one of the finest goalkeepers even at the age of 32. Mario Gomez, also 32, made the list after his heartbreaking exclusion from the 2014 edition.
Major absences
Emre Can will not play any part in Russia, as his ongoing back injury has prompted Low to leave him out. Mario Gotze, the 2014 hero who scored the winning goal against Argentina, also misses out having struggled with form and suffered health issues upon returning to Dortmund.
Similarly, there was no room for Andre Schurrle in the 27-man preliminary squad. Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, who helped Germany win the Confederations Cup last summer, was not handed a call-up either.
Leroy Sane was cut from the preliminary list in a move that shocked many. Despite enjoying a stellar campaign with Man City, Low opted against naming the youngster in his final squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (FC Bayern München), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (FC Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris St. Germain)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (FC Bayern München), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Jonas Hector (1.FC Köln), Mats Hummels (FC Bayern München), Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha BSC Berlin), Antonio Rüdiger (FC Chelsea), Niklas Süle (FC Bayern München)
Midfielders: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Paris St. Germain), Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus Turin), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Özil (FC Arsenal), Sebastian Rudy (FC Bayern München)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart), Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
Germany's World Cup Fixtures
