The current situation of the Germany National Team is generating concern and debate after the defeat to Slovakia and the subsequent victory over Northern Ireland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Among the most influential voices, Toni Kroos stands out, a reference of the 2014 champion generation, who delivered a harsh diagnosis on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen.
"Currently, we don't have a group of 50 players of international caliber. That's how it is. We're just getting by. But the list doesn't matter either, with the matches they have, what we have should be enough," said the former Real Madrid player.
In contrast to Julian Nagelsmann, who spoke of "lack of attitude," Kroos pointed to deeper shortcomings: "I think it's a matter of confidence and quality."
A squad without clear leaders
The former midfielder emphasized the absence of leaders whom the rest can rely on: "There's a lack of conviction, self-understanding, and two or three players with that aura of 'we'll solve this'." The absence of Musiala and the isolation of Wirtz as an attacking figure accentuate the team's fragility.
His brother Felix, co-host of the podcast, ironically said that "it's never been so easy to be an international," upon seeing the squad list. Toni, however, defended the players' commitment and stressed that "I would never say that anyone lacks the desire to play these matches."
