Four observations from Germany's 2-1 hard-fought win over England at U-21 EUROs
Briefly

Germany's U-21 team delivered a remarkable performance against England, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in the tournament. Despite initial criticism for benching Nick Woltemade, the team proved its strength in depth, outscoring all other teams in the group stage. Concerns over Paul Wanner's contributions linger, but coach Antonio Di Salvo emerges as a promising leader, turning the squad into tournament favorites. Looking ahead, Germany aims for victory in the knockouts, starting with a challenging match against Italy, confident in their offensive capabilities.
Despite the initial outcry from fans regarding the exclusion of Nick Woltemade, manager Antonio Di Salvo demonstrated that his team's success is built on collective strength, not individual talent. Germany has not only outperformed expectations but also showcased its depth, scoring more goals than any other team in the tournament's group stage so far.
While some may have doubted Paul Wanner's potential this tournament, his current struggles serve as a reminder that even the most talented young players need time to adjust. The consensus is that although he has not met expectations, it is premature to write him off, particularly given the wealth of talent surrounding him on the team.
Antonio Di Salvo has crafted a formidable U21 squad, raising hopes for Germany's presence at future senior tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His ability to tap into the potential of young players suggests he may soon follow in the footsteps of distinguished predecessors like Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann.
Entering the knockout stage, Germany has excelled in tackling challenges. As they prepare for a critical match against Italy, the team remains confident. While Italy demonstrated tactical coherence, they struggled offensively, creating a striking contrast with Germany’s prolific scoring, highlighting a potential advantage for Di Salvo’s men.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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