Julian Nagelsmann has opted to leave a number of star names out of his 26-man Germany squad for the World Cup.
Established performers such as Manuel Neuer, Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala will all make their way to North America this summer but Said El Mala, Yann Bisseck and Karim Adeyemi have all been left behind.
For some, the inclusion of goalkeeper Neuer is a particular bone of contention.
The Bayern Munich shot-stopper is one of the most decorated 'keepers in the history of the sport, yet hasn't featured for Germany for almost two years, originally announcing his retirement from the international game, before reversing his decision. Of his 124 caps, the latest one came following the conclusion of Euro 2024.
Aside from Neuer, the performances of his teammate Lennart Karl have earned him a maiden major tournament call-up.
Experiencing just his first season of Bundesliga football, Karl has scored five and provided a further five assists, as well as producing exceptional moments in the UEFA Champions League.
Die Mannschaft will face-off against Finland and World Cup co-hosts USA in a brace of warm-up matches before starting their campaign proper.
Drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, the four-time winners of the tournament are short-priced 2/7 favourites to top their group.
Despite getting their qualifying campaign to the worst possible start with a 2-0 loss to Slovakia, Nagelsmann's men quickly found their form, winning each and every single one of their remaining qualification matches. With the added extra of friendly victories against Switzerland and Ghana, they have won seven consecutive matches heading into the World Cup.
Germany World Cup squad
Goalkeepers
Oliver Baumann, Manuel Neuer, Alexander Nobel
Defenders
Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw
Midfielders
Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka
Attackers
Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Maximilian Beier, Jamie Leweling, Leroy Sane, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade
