Ruediger, Guendogan and Gosens still doubtful for England game

Herzogenaurach, Germany (dpa) – Antonio Ruediger, Ilkay Guendogan and Robin Gosens returned to Germany training but are still doubtful ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2020 last 16 clash against England.

Ruediger and Gosens had dropped out of training the day before due to a cold while Guendogan had a minor head injury.

Loew told a news conference on Monday that Ruediger and Gosens “are feeling a bit tired. We must see how the cold will develop. We haven’t made a decision, will do it tomorrow morning.”

Both players completed the training session on Monday but that was not the case for Guendogan.

“He already has a brain contusion on one side. We’ll have to see how it develops. You have to be a little careful there,” Loew said.

Asked it he put some thought into the fact this could be his last game as national coach, Loew said he thought about it “for around two seconds” and guaranteed his focus lays solely on the game.

“Every match at a tournament so far was electric, an all or nothing game, one must go home. I can only say that we are excited for such a a great game,” said Loew, who will leave his position at the end of the Euros after 15 years in charge.

Captain Manuel Neuer warned Germany need to “bring more defensive stability to the pitch.”

“It can be a patience test. They [England] can defend well and are good on counters,” the keeper said.

Neuer also said the German players will take the knee alongside the English players as a protest against racism. England captain Harry Kane will join Neuer and also wear the rainbow armband.

“We stand for tolerance. That was no question for us. This way people see where we stand in our society,” Neuer said.

After three group matches in Munich – one lost, one won and one drawn – Loew’s side face their first trip abroad at this championship.

Due to coronavirus travel restrictions, not many German fans are expected at Wembley, but Neuer is not worried about that.

“To have more opponent fans behind my goal, Oliver Kahn once said to use it as a motivation,” Neuer pointed out.

Germany defeated England on penalties in 1990 and 1996 semi-finals and asked about the possibility of another shoot-out, Neuer said preparation is important, but it’s also a matter of “feeling.”

Loew added they tried to simulate game situations but “it’s a bit more difficult when it comes to penalties.

“It’s a situation of extreme pressure, a completely different burden than in training,”t the coach explained.

Leon Goretkza, who scored the late leveller in the 2-2 draw with Hungary which put Germany through, could also make his first start of the Euros with Serge Gnabry under pressure.

About a possible start for young talent Jamal Musiala, who had a crucial participation in Goretzka’s goal, Loew joked: “If he doesn’t score the decisive goal, we will send him back to England.”

Musiala could have also chosen to play for England, but opted for the German side.