Matthäus: German national team experiments must end immediately

Germany coach Julian must stop experimenting and let his key men play on a regular basis in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers to form a strong team, former captain Lothar Matthäus has urged.

"The time for experiments must finally come to an end, both in terms of tactics and personnel. The team needs to gel," Matthäus told Wednesday's edition of the Sport Bild weekly.

Matthäus, a 1990 World Cup winner and Germany's record capped player, said that this must start right away with Friday's game against Luxembourg.

Germany are under pressure after losing their first qualifier in Slovakia, as only the group winner qualifies directly for next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Nagelsmann's team visits Northern Ireland on Monday before completing qualifying in November in Luxembourg and at home against Slovakia.

Matthäus said that Nagelsmann should continue with a 3-4-2-1 formation he used last month in a home victory against Northern Ireland and which was also very successful at Bayer Leverkusen in their run to the 2024 Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso.

Matthäus said that the national team squad featured players who prefer to play in a half position rather than on the wings in the first place, suggesting David Raum and Jamie Leweling for those positions.

While Matthäus sees Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton and returning Nico Schlotterbeck as the back three, Felix Nmecha could join captain Joshua Kimmich in central midfield, with Florian Wirtz, Serge Gnabry and Nick Woltemade up front.

"That promises danger in front of goal and creativity," Matthäus said.

Newcastle United's Woltemade has however caught the flu and is yet to join the squad.

Looking ahead, Matthäus said that defender Antonio Rüdiger and playmaker Jamal Musiala were also strong starting 11 candidates once they return from injury.