23 players, including 15 World Champions, have been called up to the Germany senior squad for the final two international fixtures of the year. On 14th November Germany face Gibraltar in a European Championship qualifier (20:45 CET), before travelling to Spain for a friendly four days later (20:45 CET).
Jonas Hector (1. FC Köln) is selected for the first time, whilst Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen) and Benedikt Höwedes (FC Schalke 04) are recalled. Kevin Volland is also back in the squad, having made his debut for the senior team in the World Cup warm-up match against Poland in Hamburg.
Joachim Löw said: “We go into the fixtures with a big squad and hope to end the season on a high. We want to beat Gibraltar in front of own fans in European Championship qualifying and the friendly against Spain – current European Champions and former World Champions – will be a special occasion.”
In terms of individual decisions, the Coach said: “We want to get to know Jonas Hector better; he’s in good form for Köln. Kevin Volland has performed well for Hoffenheim and the U21s so deserves a call-up. The returns of Marco Reus, Sami Khedira, Benedikt Höwedes and Lars Bender are good for the team as despite their age they are experienced internationals.”
Ahead of the games many of the squad will be in Berlin on 10th November. The 2014 World Cup winning squad are travelling to the capital. There are two events on the schedule concerned with the success. On Monday morning the players will be honoured with the Silbernen Lorbeerblatt (the highest sports award in Germany); in the evening they will attend the premiere of the commemorative film “Die Mannschaft” where they will also receive the “Winner’s Badge” from FIFA President Joseph Blatter.
Preparation for the game against Gibraltar starts the following day. The squad will remain in Berlin until Thursday, when they travel to Nuremberg. As it stands Germany are fourth in their European Championship qualifying group with four points. Ahead of the game, Joachim Löw said: “We will need to concentrate against Gibraltar and take the game seriously. We know we are clear favourites and we want to show we are worthy of the tag.”
The game against Gibraltar doesn’t quite signal the end of the year in terms of international fixtures. Four days later Germany face Spain in Vigo. “Spain have dominated football in recent years,” explained Löw: “I have a lot of respect for them. Both teams will be extremely motivated. We are looking forward to facing one of the best teams in the world.”
Germany have faced Spain 21 times in international football. Germany have won eight times, Spain seven and there have been six draws. The game in Nuremberg will be the first meeting between Germany and Gibraltar.