Nagelsmann was right — Germany must fix tactical lapses before the World Cup

Uli Hoeneß was right that the German national team still needs to gel. Despite a 4–0 friendly win over Finland that pleased Julian Nagelsmann, Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav, the coach noted a first-half spell in which his side grew impatient, rushed forward and lost control.

Nagelsmann said the players “want to prove themselves” but warned that repeated lapses in tactical discipline cannot be condoned; he now needs to trust his strengths and settle on a first-choice XI. Two, possibly three spots remain open: David Raum or Nathaniel Brown at left-back, and Leroy Sané, Lennart Karl or Maximilian Beier on the right wing.

Undav’s two goals and an assist — an all-round display Nagelsmann described as "good enough to keep you in the team" — could prompt a brief rethink of the striking partnership previously considered settled. Nagelsmann’s youth-first approach is clear: he fielded his youngest-ever starting XI, averaging 26.29 years.

Germany

julian nagelsmann, germany, world cup, deniz undav, joshua kimmich, uli hoeneß, david raum, nathaniel brown, leroy sané, maximilian beier