All eyes on Wück as Germany’s rebuild begins
Photo: Arne Dedert/dpa
The post-Popp era has begun for Germany's women's team. With Euro 2025 on the horizon, can Die Nationalelf reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of women's football?
Germany, one of the most decorated nations in women's football, heads to Wembley for the first time since the Euro 2022 final under different circumstances. Despite their impressive record of two World Cups, eight European Championships, and an Olympic gold, a shock group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup prompted significant changes. Head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg departed, and Horst Hrubesch took over as interim coach.
Under Hrubesch's guidance, Germany regained some footing, winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, with new head coach Christian Wück at the helm, they embark on a new era against England, with Euro 2025 on the horizon.
Germany after their draw with South Korea in the Women’s World Cup 2023. Credit Image: © James Whitehead/Sport Press Photo via ZUMA Press
Key Changes and Transitional Period
Germany's World Cup disappointment made a transition inevitable. Stalwarts like Kathrin Hendrich, Marina Hegering, Svenja Huth, Almuth Schult, and captain Alex Popp were already in their thirties. Popp and Merle Frohms have recently retired from international duty, signaling a changing of the guard.
Midfield has also seen upheaval, with Lena Oberdorf's ACL injury before the Olympics and Lina Magull's drop in form. Wück's first matches in charge will provide opportunities for uncapped players like Sophia Winkler, Lisanne Gräwe, and Giovanna Hoffmann, while Sarai Linder, Janina Minge, Jule Brand, Elisa Senß, and Nicole Anyomi have become integral to the team over the past year.
Recent Performances and Coaching Transition
Germany's Olympic bronze came after a resilient run, narrowly losing to the USA in the semi-finals before defeating Spain on penalties in the bronze medal match. They remain untested under Wück, who takes charge for the first time against England.
Wück, a former Germany international, has proven his mettle in youth coaching, leading the Under-17s to European and World Cup titles in 2023. His appointment has sparked debate about the lack of former women's players in coaching roles, but the promotion of Saskia Bartusiak and Maren Meinert as his assistants brings valuable experience to the setup.
Germany win Bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Credit: Marcus Brandt/dpa/Alamy
Talent Pipeline and Development
Amidst the transition, Germany's future looks bright with a wealth of young talent. Jule Brand and Klara Bühl have shone on the wings, while Lea Schüller has taken on a more prominent role in attack. Sjoeke Nüsken has become a regular starter in midfield, impressing at Chelsea.
Wück has also called up uncapped forward Giovanna Hoffmann, who at 26, brings a blend of youth and experience. Off the pitch, the DFB is focusing on integrating former players into coaching roles. Bartusiak and Meinert are part of a larger strategy that includes Ariane Hingst, Silke Rottenberg, and the legendary Birgit Prinz, who works as a psychologist for the team.
Further down the age groups, Melanie Behringer, a World Cup, European Championship, and Olympic gold winner, serves as an assistant coach, alongside Annike Krahn and Julia Simic, showcasing the wealth of experience being channeled back into the system.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Germany's challenge is re-establishing itself as a force in women's football. While Wück may be given some leeway at Euro 2025 due to the ongoing transition, he will need to balance experienced players with emerging talent.
The continued growth of the Bundesliga will be crucial in providing a steady stream of young players. Although German clubs haven't won the Champions League since 2015, their recent performances, such as Wolfsburg's run to the final and Bayern Munich's 5-2 win over Arsenal, highlight the potential.
The upcoming matches against England and Australia will provide an early indicator of Wück's Germany, but their true test will come at Euro 2025. With their rich history of success and a promising blend of youth and experience, Germany cannot be discounted. As they navigate this transitional period, their sights remain set on reclaiming their spot at the pinnacle of the women's game.