Germany National Football Team Vs Scotland National Football Team Lineups

by Jack — March 18, 2025 in Football

Germany national football team vs scotland national football team lineups took center stage as Euro 2024 kicked off with an exciting opening match.

The host nation Germany entered the tournament eager to redeem themselves after disappointing performances in recent major competitions.

Under Julian Nagelsmann’s guidance, Germany showed promising signs during warm-up matches, giving fans renewed hope.

Scotland, meanwhile, arrived as underdogs but with the fighting spirit that defined their qualification campaign.

Despite early injury setbacks forcing tactical adjustments, Steve Clarke’s men were determined to make their mark.

The electric atmosphere at the Allianz Arena provided a fitting backdrop for this clash between Germany’s technical brilliance and Scotland’s resilient approach.

Germany National Football Team Vs Scotland National Football Team Lineups

Germany’s star-studded lineup featuring Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and veteran Toni Kroos faced Scotland’s organized defensive unit led by captain Andrew Robertson.

The contrasting styles and philosophies were evident in both teams’ starting lineups, setting the stage for an intriguing tournament opener.

Germany Starting XI

Germany’s starting eleven showcased a perfect blend of experience and youthful talent, designed to implement Nagelsmann’s possession-based philosophy while maintaining defensive stability.

No.	Player	Position	Substituted
1	Manuel Neuer	GK
6	Joshua Kimmich	RB
4	Jonathan Tah	CB	62′
2	Antonio Rüdiger	CB
18	Maximilian Mittelstädt	LB
23	Robert Andrich	CM	46′
8	Toni Kroos	CM	81′
10	Jamal Musiala	RW	74′
21	İlkay Gündoğan (c)	AM
17	Florian Wirtz	LW	63′
7	Kai Havertz	CF	63′

Nagelsmann opted for the same lineup that impressed in their final warm-up match against Greece. The back four provided solid defensive coverage while allowing Kimmich and Mittelstädt to join attacks when possible.

The midfield trio of Andrich, Kroos, and Gündoğan balanced defensive stability with creative passing. Up front, the dynamic trio of Musiala, Wirtz, and Havertz brought speed, technical ability, and goal threat.

Substitutions

Germany’s bench demonstrated their impressive squad depth, giving Nagelsmann quality options to maintain control throughout the match.

No.	Player	Position	Substituted In
15	Nico Schlotterbeck	CB	62′
19	Leroy Sané	RW	63′
9	Niclas Füllkrug	CF	63′
13	Thomas Müller	RW	74′
14	Emre Can	CM	81′

The substitutions were strategically timed, with Schlotterbeck reinforcing the defense while Sané and Füllkrug added fresh attacking impetus against tiring Scottish defenders.

The experienced Müller replaced Musiala to help maintain possession, and Can secured the midfield as Kroos departed to a standing ovation.

Scotland Starting XI

Steve Clarke set up Scotland in a defensive 3-5-2 formation designed to contain Germany’s attacking threat while looking for counter-attacking opportunities.

No.	Player	Position	Substituted
1	Angus Gunn	GK
2	Anthony Ralston	RWB	48′
13	Jack Hendry	CB
15	Ryan Porteous	CB	44′
6	Kieran Tierney	CB	77′
3	Andrew Robertson (c)	LWB
4	Scott McTominay	CM
8	Callum McGregor	CM	67′
7	John McGinn	RW	67′
11	Ryan Christie	LW	82′
10	Ché Adams	CF	46′

Scotland’s selection highlighted their defensive priorities with three center-backs supported by wing-backs who could transition between attack and defense.

The midfield was anchored by Manchester United’s McTominay alongside Celtic captain McGregor, providing work rate and tactical discipline. Up front, the pairing of Christie and Adams offered mobility and pace for potential counter-attacks.

Scotland Substitutions

Scotland’s bench was called upon frequently during the match due to both tactical adjustments and injury concerns.

No.	Player	Position	Substituted In
5	Grant Hanley	CB	46′
14	Billy Gilmour	CM	67′
23	Kenny McLean	CM	67′
26	Scott McKenna	CB	77′
9	Lawrence Shankland	CF	82′

Clarke was forced to make early adjustments with Porteous needing replacement before halftime and Adams making way at the interval. Gilmour and McLean were introduced to provide fresh energy in midfield, while McKenna replaced the tiring Tierney. Shankland came on late as Scotland sought an unlikely route back into the game.

Neuer

Manuel Neuer continues to be a commanding presence in goal for Germany despite his advancing years. Against Scotland, the 38-year-old demonstrated why Nagelsmann kept faith in him despite a minor error in their warm-up match against Greece.

Neuer’s key strengths include:

Exceptional positioning to intercept crosses and through balls
Distribution skills that initiate attacks from the back
Leadership in organizing the defense
Experience in handling tournament pressure

His role extends beyond shot-stopping, functioning as an additional outfield player in Germany’s build-up play. This aspect of his game allows Germany to maintain possession more effectively and build attacks from the back with numerical superiority.

Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich showcased his versatility and defensive intelligence from the right-back position. Often compared to the legendary Philipp Lahm, Kimmich has established himself as one of Germany’s most reliable performers.

Kimmich’s standout qualities include:

Tactical awareness to balance defensive duties with attacking support
Precise crossing from wide areas
Passing range to switch play or progress the ball forward
Defensive discipline against opposition wingers

While primarily deployed as a holding midfielder at Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann opted to use him at right-back for the tournament opener. This decision allowed Germany to benefit from his crossing ability while maintaining defensive stability against Scotland’s counter-attacks.

Rudiger

Antonio Rüdiger brings physical intensity and defensive aggression to Germany’s backline. The Real Madrid defender formed a solid partnership with Tah, neutralizing Scotland’s attacking threats throughout the match.

Rüdiger’s defensive strengths include:

Physical dominance in duels and aerial contests
Recovery speed to deal with counter-attacks
Aggressive tackling to disrupt opposition attacks
Comfort in possession under pressure

His no-nonsense approach to defending sets the tone for Germany’s defensive unit. Rüdiger’s experience at club level with Chelsea and Real Madrid has prepared him well for the pressures of international football, making him a key figure in Germany’s quest for European success.

Tah

Jonathan Tah has developed into a reliable center-back for both Bayer Leverkusen and Germany. His inclusion in the starting lineup reflected his improved performances under Xabi Alonso at club level.

Tah’s qualities include:

Impressive physical presence at 6’5″ (1.95m)
Intelligent reading of attacking situations
Aerial strength in defensive and offensive situations
Progressive passing to begin attacks

Though substituted after 62 minutes for Schlotterbeck, Tah’s contribution during his time on the pitch helped establish Germany’s defensive control. His replacement appeared to be a tactical decision rather than a response to poor performance, allowing Nagelsmann to manage playing time effectively.

Mittelstadt

Maximilian Mittelstädt represents one of the surprise selections in Germany’s squad, earning his place through consistent performances for Stuttgart. The left-back provided balance on Germany’s left flank against Scotland.

Mittelstädt’s assets include:

Attacking support with overlapping runs
Defensive positioning to prevent counter-attacks
Crossing ability from wide areas
Stamina to cover the entire left flank

His rise to prominence has been somewhat unexpected, with his form at club level compelling Nagelsmann to include him over more established options. Against Scotland, Mittelstädt provided width that allowed Wirtz to drift inside into more dangerous central positions.

Kroos

Toni Kroos returned from international retirement specifically for Euro 2024, bringing his exceptional passing range and composure to Germany’s midfield. Operating alongside Andrich in a deeper role, Kroos controlled the tempo of the game against Scotland.

Kroos’ midfield mastery is defined by:

Unparalleled passing accuracy over all distances
Press resistance to maintain possession under pressure
Intelligent positioning to receive the ball in space
Set-piece delivery of the highest quality

Euro 2024 represents Kroos’ final tournament before retirement, adding emotional significance to his performances. His influence was evident throughout his time on the pitch, with his removal in the 81st minute allowing him to receive deserved recognition from the home crowd.

Andrich

Robert Andrich provided the physical presence and defensive awareness that balanced Germany’s midfield against Scotland. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder complemented Kroos perfectly, allowing Germany to dominate possession while maintaining defensive security.

Andrich’s key attributes include:

Strong tackling to regain possession
Positional discipline to protect the defense
Aerial strength in midfield duels
Simple but effective passing to maintain possession

Often compared to Sami Khedira for his combination of work rate and tactical intelligence, Andrich’s role in disrupting opposition attacks and protecting the defensive line proved valuable against Scotland. His substitution at halftime appeared to be a tactical adjustment rather than a reflection of his performance.

Musiala

Jamal Musiala terrorized Scotland’s defense with his exceptional dribbling ability and creative flair. The Bayern Munich youngster demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most exciting talents in world football.

Musiala’s standout qualities include:

Elite close control in tight spaces
Acceleration to beat defenders
Decision-making in the final third
Composure when finishing

At just 21 years old, Musiala has already established himself as a key figure in Germany’s attack. His decision to represent Germany at senior level after playing youth football for England has provided the team with a creative spark that can unlock organized defenses.

Gundogan

İlkay Gündoğan captained Germany with characteristic composure and intelligence. Operating as the most advanced midfielder, he connected play between midfield and attack while providing goal threat with his late runs into the box.

Gündoğan’s strengths include:

Timing of runs into scoring positions
Technical security in possession
Tactical intelligence to find space between lines
Leadership on and off the pitch

The captain’s experience at the highest level with Manchester City and Barcelona prepared him well for the pressures of leading Germany at a home tournament. His partnership with Kroos in midfield provided Germany with exceptional technical quality in central areas.

Wirtz

Florian Wirtz entered Euro 2024 following an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen. The 21-year-old operated primarily from the left against Scotland but with freedom to drift inside and combine with Gündoğan and Musiala.

Wirtz’s exceptional qualities include:

Creative vision to spot and execute defense-splitting passes
Close control in tight spaces
Acceleration to beat defenders
Composed finishing in scoring positions

His understanding with fellow young star Musiala suggests a bright future for Germany’s creative department. Wirtz’s substitution after 63 minutes allowed Leroy Sané to enter the game with fresh legs, demonstrating the depth of talent available to Nagelsmann in attacking positions.

FAQs

Who coached the German national team during Euro 2024?

Julian Nagelsmann coached the German national team during Euro 2024. He took over after a period coaching Bayern Munich and implemented a tactical approach emphasizing possession and creative attacking play while maintaining defensive solidity.

What formation did Germany use against Scotland?

Germany employed a 4-2-3-1 formation against Scotland, with Neuer in goal; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, and Mittelstädt in defense; Kroos and Andrich as holding midfielders; Musiala, Gündoğan, and Wirtz as the attacking trio behind lone striker Havertz.

Who captained the Scotland team in the Euro 2024 opener?

Andrew Robertson captained Scotland in their Euro 2024 opener against Germany. The Liverpool left-back provided leadership from his wing-back position while attempting to lead by example with his work rate and defensive contributions.

How did Scotland set up tactically against Germany?

Scotland utilized a 3-5-2 formation that sometimes resembled a 5-3-2 when defending deeply. This approach prioritized defensive solidity with three center-backs protected by wing-backs who could drop deeper when needed.

What injury issues did Scotland face before the match?

Scotland suffered a significant setback when Lyndon Dykes was ruled out of the tournament through injury shortly before it began. This forced Steve Clarke to adjust his attacking plans, with Ché Adams starting as the central striker against Germany.

Who were the standout performers for Germany?

Jamal Musiala was particularly impressive for Germany, creating numerous dangerous situations with his dribbling ability. Toni Kroos controlled the tempo from midfield, while Ilkay Gündoğan provided leadership and creative influence as captain.

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Conclusion

The germany national football team vs scotland national football team lineups revealed contrasting approaches to the tournament opener. Germany’s selection reflected confidence in Nagelsmann’s vision, blending experienced players like Neuer, Kroos, and Rüdiger with exciting young talents such as Musiala and Wirtz. This balance proved effective as Germany controlled the match through possession and technical quality.

Scotland’s lineup demonstrated Steve Clarke’s pragmatic approach against superior opposition, prioritizing defensive solidity while looking to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities. Despite early injury setbacks, Scotland showed the fighting spirit that characterized their qualification campaign.

The difference in squad depth was evident throughout the match, with Germany able to introduce quality substitutes like Sané, Füllkrug, and Müller as the game progressed. Scotland’s substitutions were more reactive, often forced by injury concerns or the need to adjust to Germany’s dominance.

For Germany, this opening performance provided encouragement for their tournament prospects, suggesting they have moved beyond the disappointments of recent international competitions. The fluid attacking play between Musiala, Wirtz, and Gündoğan created numerous dangerous situations, while the midfield control exerted by Kroos and Andrich established a platform for dominance.

Scotland will take valuable lessons from this challenging opener as they look ahead to their remaining group matches. The experience gained against one of the tournament favorites should help prepare them for upcoming contests where they may find more opportunities to impose their own game plan.

As Euro 2024 progresses, both teams will continue to evolve their lineups and tactical approaches based on the lessons learned from this opening encounter. Germany has set a high standard with their performance, while Scotland has gained important tournament experience that will serve them well in their quest to advance from the group stage.

Germany National Football Team Vs Scotland National Football Team Lineups