Germany's all-star XI not going to World Cup

Germany's all-star XI not going to World Cup

Anna Woodberry 5 years ago 8.4k |

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These players won't be helping Germany defend their title. BeSoccer

After Joachim Low revealed who has made his preliminary squad for the World Cup in June, we take a look at the 11 star players who will have to watch the tournament from home.

GK: Sven Ulreich (Bayern Munich)

Apart from the horrific error against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Ulreich has been an outstanding replacement in Manuel Neuer's absence. However, his superior made Low's list whilst he has not.

D: Benedikt Howedes (Juventus)

A lack of playing time at the 'Bianconeri' has seen Howedes miss out despite being a fully-fledged international since 2011.

D: Skodan Mustafi (Arsenal)

The defender has had a mixed season at Arsenal, going far in the Europa League but falling short in England. Low has decided to opt for those who offer more at the back instead.

D: Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund)

His time at Dortmund could be coming to an end after a poor campaign and it goes from bad to worse for Schmelzer as he fails to make the cut in what looks to be his last chance of a World Cup at the age of 30.

CM: Max Meyer (Schalke)

Considered one of the Bundesliga's hottest prospects, there is no room for Meyer in Low's squad. But at the age of 22, he will have plenty of other opportunities.

CM: Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)

Hasn't played regularly enough with Dortmund to warrant selection but, like Meyer, he will have his chance to shine in four years.

CM: Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)

The biggest absentee from Low's squad. Scored the winning goal in 2014 to gift Germany the World Cup but his poor form this season has seen Gotze left watching from the sidelines.

CM: Emre Can (Liverpool)

Was an outside bet to make the squad after a good campaign with Liverpool but a back injury ruined his chances of making the squad.

F: Kevin Volland (Bayer Leverkusen)

His 14 goals saw him take third place in the race for the Bundesliga's Golden Boot but he has only been capped four times for Germany and this lack of experience has worked against him.

F: Mark Uth (Hoffenheim)

Another revelation in the German league this season, scoring 17 goals in 38 matches in all competitions. However, it wasn't enough to make the cut.

F: Lars Stindl (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Had the team selection been a year ago, Stindl would have certainly been going to the World Cup. But his goal tally has shrunk by two-thirds and Germany cannot afford to take a striker not in his peak form.