As the ink has barely had time to dry on the first games of the European Championship, one thing is already clear: the “banter era” – a term affectionately used to describe the internet’s jocular take on Germany’s recent footballing fortunes – has been replaced by a new narrative altogether.
Julian Nagelsmann’s arrival on the scene has brought a much-needed injection of fresh air to the German national team, a likely-turnaround following two consecutive periods of underwhelming performance under Joachim Low and Hansi Flick. A statement victory was needed to mark this transformation, and it arrived in style, a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland in their opening match, firmly placing them among the favourites to lift the coveted trophy.
Germany’s reemergence as a force to be reckoned with joins a list of top contenders that is ever-growing, with Portugal, France, and Spain all boasting impressive credentials. England, meanwhile, can draw strength from their individual talent. However, Germany’s win has thrown their name into the mix, as if to say: we’re back, we’re strong, and we’re here to stay.
Florian Wirtz, the 19-year-old wonderkid who caught the eye last season with Bundesliga powerhouses Bayer Leverkusen, is fast becoming the poster child for this new-look Germany. His performances have piqued the interest, but a question lingers: how much of his success can be attributed to the strategic ministrations of Xabi Alonso and his tactical masterclass, and how much can be credited to his own exceptional abilities?
If the opening game of the tournament is any indication, it’s clear that Wirtz is the real deal, as he notched another historic goal, becoming the youngest scorer at the Euros and forging an unbreakable bond with Jamal Musiala, another young gunlet who has the potential to make waves in this tournament. Nagelsmann’s influence has been instrumental in nurturing this core of talented youngsters, cajoling them into a cohesive unit that promises to wreak havoc across the competition. It’s early days yet, but this much is already clear: Germany are back in the thick of it, reasserting their claim as one of the world’s top international powers after a prolonged lull.
