Nagelsmann’s strategy with assistant Mads Butgereit is paying off

Germany followed a 4-0 win over Finland with mixed feelings: the result and variety of goals were welcome, but a first-half spell of impatience and loss of control underlined lingering tactical issues. Julian Nagelsmann praised the pressing that led to several goals and the clean sheet, yet said the side still needs more automatic movements, consistent discipline and greater trust in its strengths.

The coach also faces selection choices, with David Raum or Nathaniel Brown likely to fill left-back and a contest for places on the right involving Leroy Sané, Lennart Karl or Maximilian Beier. Nagelsmann named his youngest-ever starting XI against Finland, averaging 26.29 years, and 18-year-old Lennart Karl became the third-youngest DFB starter at 18 years and 98 days.

Every young player contributed: Aleksandar Pavlovic helped control the game, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala scored, and Nathaniel Brown showed creativity and an inclination to drift inside that could offer different options compared with Raum.

Germany

nagelsmann, mads butgereit, germany, finland, pressing, clean sheet, left-back, david raum, nathaniel brown, lennart karl