Uli's Eleven: Bayern exec picks his ideal starting XI for Germany at the World Cup

Uli Hoeneß criticized Germany’s right-back options and argued that Joshua Kimmich should play in midfield rather than at right back due to reduced pace and skills. He suggested Germany lacks suitable right-back players among both established and emerging talent. He claimed Manuel Neuer should not have been called up because fitness is insufficient, minor injuries recur, and the situation resembled prior indecision. He argued that Jonas Urbig and/or Noah Atubolu should have been included instead. He supported Jamal Musiala on the wing and favored keeping Lennart Karl on the bench initially. He also said Tom Bischof should have been selected.

"Uli Hoeneß picks his Germany XI for the World Cup from the current squad: 'Raum at right back not ideal but Kimmich should be in midfield - rates Brown - fan of Sané but he's currently out of confidence, Karl not yet ready to start, hence Leweling - fan of Havertz but Woltemade is more of a striker'"

"Joshua Kimmich is the logical solution for right-back but he doesn't have the pace or the skillset to play as a proper right-back; he's slowed down ever since his move to midfield. Then again, Germany doesn't have decent players who can play right-back, both established and rising stars."

"Manuel Neuer should never have been called up. His fitness levels aren't good enough anymore and he often picks up slight niggles during the windows where he is fit. Plus, he stood by his decision before during the initial approaches to drag him out of retirement then relented at the last minute. Sounds exactly like Nagelsmann. Jonas Urbig and/or Noah Atubolu should've been named to the squad instead."

"Jamal Musiala on the wing is the correct move, so too perhaps the move to keep Lennart Karl on the bench for now. Maybe Karl does earn a start if all goes well? Similarly, Tom Bischof should've been included."

Read at Bavarian Football Works