U21 National Team Kicks Off Tournament Year with Test Match in Slovakia

The German U21 national team is set to further boost anticipation for the European Championship with a test match in the host country of Slovakia. U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo stated, „We have deliberately chosen to play this match in Slovakia because we want to evoke a sense of EM spirit within the team.“ The final tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to June 28.

Clear Situation in Goal

On Friday at 18:00 (local time, broadcast on ProSieben Maxx), the team will face Slovakia in Trnava, marking the first of two official international matches as they count down to the EM. Four days later, they will take on title favorites Spain in Darmstadt. Di Salvo expressed excitement about the upcoming match against Spain, noting, „We are really looking forward to the game. Spain is the top contender for the EM title.“

For now, however, the focus remains on Slovakia. Following the injury of Jonas Urbig, who was replacing Manuel Neuer from Bayern Munich, it has been confirmed that Noah Atubolu from SC Freiburg will stand in goal. Di Salvo remarked, „Noah will get to play both matches, and I hope he will deliver a strong performance. He is currently doing very well.“ He also expressed hope that Atubolu’s presence and experience would positively influence the team.

Captain’s Ambition for a Double

Additionally, the U21 national coach has called up Felix Gebhardt from SSV Jahn Regensburg to replace the injured Urbig. Missing from the squad in Slovakia are Paul Wanner (1. FC Heidenheim) and Caspar Jander (1. FC Nürnberg), who are currently ill. Di Salvo mentioned that they would assess their availability for the match against Spain after the Slovakia game.

Captain Eric Martel, who plays for 1. FC Köln in the second division, is looking forward to exciting months ahead as he aims for a personal double this season. „That would be the dream scenario – getting promoted with the FC, perhaps with the trophy in hand, and then winning the EM,“ the 22-year-old expressed.