Reus has struggled for game time in recent months due to a number of injuries. The same can be said for Draxler, who only returned to action in April this year, having been out injured since November.
Joachim Löw added that, “I am certain that even without these players we have enough quality in our squad to be successful against the USA and Gibraltar. We have a lot of options.”
"Everyone knows how ambitious Jürgen is"
The game against the USA will be the 11th meeting of the sides. Germany have won seven of the previous 10 meetings – the other three saw the States come out on top. Germany have won all four clashes on home soil. Jürgen Klinsmann is America’s head coach. “It won’t be the first time that we’ve faced a side coached by him but obviously it’s a big game for him. I’m looking forward to the reunion. It’s an important test for us ahead of the rest of our qualifiers. Everyone knows how ambitious Jürgen is. He will want his side to put in a good performance and impress against his home nation,” added Löw.
The history of the fixture against Gibraltar is somewhat shorter. The European Championship qualifier which took place in November is the only meeting of the sides thus far. Germany won 4-0 on that occasion. “We won’t underestimate them; we haven’t forgotten the game in Nuremberg. They were compact and made life difficult for us. I expect the players to take the game seriously. We want all three points.”
After these games, the DFB Team take to the field again in September. They face Poland in Frankfurt (4th September) and Scotland in Glasgow (7th September). Both games are European Championship qualifiers.
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Head coach Joachim Löw has named his squad for the upcoming friendly against the USA (Köln, 10th June, 20:45 CEST) and European Championship qualifier Gibraltar (Faro, 13th June, 20:45 CEST). Löw has selected 20 players, 13 of which won the World Cup last summer.
The squad is lead by captain Bastian Schweinsteiger. There are recalls for Antonio Rüdiger (VfB Stuttgart) and Patrick Herrmann (Borussia Mönchengladbach). Rüdiger has five senior caps, the last came against Spain in Vigo last November. Herrmann is in line to make his debut. He was previously involved with the squad in March 2013 but didn’t make an appearance.
Neuer, Kroos and Müller absent
Bayern’s Thomas Müller and Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos haven’t been selected. The duo are being allowed to rest after a busy season. Kroos has played 69 games overall since summer 2014; Müller has featured 62 times.
“I’ve been able to count on them a lot recently. They deserve a break. I have one eye on the next set of qualifiers and on next year’s European Championship, should we reach it,” explained Löw.
Manuel Neuer misses out through injury. “Manuel is also a reliable player. Everyone knows him. However, the team doctor has told us that he can’t train or play pain free currently. He’s had a long season and picked up a number of knocks so we’re letting him rest. He’ll be back in the squad for autumn’s games.”
Reus and Draxler on standby
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund) and Julian Draxler (Schalke 04) haven’t been included in the original squad but have been put on standby. “Marco and Julian have had tough seasons. They’re true professionals and are ready.”
Reus has struggled for game time in recent months due to a number of injuries. The same can be said for Draxler, who only returned to action in April this year, having been out injured since November.
Joachim Löw added that, “I am certain that even without these players we have enough quality in our squad to be successful against the USA and Gibraltar. We have a lot of options.”
"Everyone knows how ambitious Jürgen is"
The game against the USA will be the 11th meeting of the sides. Germany have won seven of the previous 10 meetings – the other three saw the States come out on top. Germany have won all four clashes on home soil. Jürgen Klinsmann is America’s head coach. “It won’t be the first time that we’ve faced a side coached by him but obviously it’s a big game for him. I’m looking forward to the reunion. It’s an important test for us ahead of the rest of our qualifiers. Everyone knows how ambitious Jürgen is. He will want his side to put in a good performance and impress against his home nation,” added Löw.
The history of the fixture against Gibraltar is somewhat shorter. The European Championship qualifier which took place in November is the only meeting of the sides thus far. Germany won 4-0 on that occasion. “We won’t underestimate them; we haven’t forgotten the game in Nuremberg. They were compact and made life difficult for us. I expect the players to take the game seriously. We want all three points.”
After these games, the DFB Team take to the field again in September. They face Poland in Frankfurt (4th September) and Scotland in Glasgow (7th September). Both games are European Championship qualifiers.