As we get closer to this summer’s European Championships, the first step for every competing nation is to name their squad. Luckily for managers, an increase from 23 to 26 players has given them more flexibility. With the tournament being held on home turf, German national team boss Julian Nagelsmann has undoubtedly brainstormed multiple times to ensure his 26-man squad is as strong as possible. Germany has struggled to meet expectations in recent tournaments. A series of managers, including Joachim Low and Hansi Flick, have been unable to bring home international honors since their 2014 World Cup win. Players like Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Toni Kroos will be looking to show the footballing world that Germany is still a leading football nation.

However, some deserving players failed to get the call-up. Representing one's nation at a prestigious international tournament is every player’s dream, but that will not be the case for some at Euro 2024. Here are the top five German players who have been snubbed.

1. Mats Hummels

Despite Mats Hummels playing a crucial part in Borussia Dortmund's run to the Champions League final this season, there’s no space for the veteran defender in Nagelsmann’s plans. Admittedly, the 35-year-old is perhaps not as agile as he once was – but there’s little wrong with using a spot to add some much-needed experience.

That’s not to say that Hummels, who has been capped 78 times, is past his prime. He’s still a very capable defender, as showcased this season. He’s been the centerpiece of his side’s backline throughout a memorable campaign. The fact that he managed to keep Kylian Mbappe, a potential opponent this summer, quiet during both semi-finals should warrant his inclusion – but not in the eyes of Nagelsmann.

2. Serge Gnabry

Serge Gnabry’s sheer pace and power could be useful when opponents' legs tire in the latter stages of games. However, based on Nagelsmann’s team selection for Euro 2024, German fans must rely on others to offer such directness.

The former Arsenal prospect, one of the players who has shone since leaving the Premier League, has scored a modest three goals and provided two assists in 10 Bundesliga outings this season, which has been plagued by injuries. As one of Bayern Munich’s most devastating assets, Stuttgart-born Gnabry would have undoubtedly been considered if he had enjoyed an injury-free campaign.

3. Karim Adeyemi

A spot in the German squad would have been perfect for Karim Adeyemi’s development. However, Nagelsmann decided to leave the young winger at home. Ferocious in attack and resolute in defense, which became a recent talking point after their European clash with PSG, the Borussia Dortmund talent has enjoyed a quietly brilliant term under Edin Terzic’s watchful eye.

Perhaps the inconsistency shown in the first half of the season has seen him fall down Nagelsmann’s pecking order – but his upturn in performances since the turn of the year has been Euro 2024 worthy. It's worth noting that Adeyemi, 22, is yet to be capped by Germany – and perhaps the management believes it’s best not to take his inexperience into the summer.

4. Timo Werner

Tottenham Hotspur's plans were disrupted after losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer. Formerly of Chelsea, Timo Werner was brought in on loan from RB Leipzig – and the German is now reportedly happy to make the move permanent.

From an international perspective, the lightning-quick forward will be gutted not to have been chosen by Nagelsmann. The 57-cap, 24-goal German international has five goal involvements to his name so far – but his Tottenham form was not enough to impress Germany’s management.

5. Marco Reus

A footballer as loyal as they come, Borussia Dortmund’s 12-year servant Marco Reus has also been snubbed by Nagelsmann and his team as they look to triumph on home soil. Having scored six goals and provided seven assists this season, Reus’ numbers have declined – but his pedigree among the German squad would be invaluable.

Germany’s squad is young and thriving, and having players like Reus in the dressing room would be crucial in their bid for gold. However, it seems that is not true for Nagelsmann and his staff, who have forced him to watch from the stands. It seems a shame, given Dortmund’s heartfelt send-off for the 34-year-old, but perhaps his international career is over.

Germany squad

As Germany prepares for Euro 2024 on home soil, Nagelsmann has made bold decisions in his squad selection. While including young talents like Musiala and Wirtz signals a bright future, the exclusion of experienced players like Hummels, Gnabry, Adeyemi, Werner, and Reus has raised eyebrows. These decisions balance nurturing young talents and maintaining a competitive edge.

Germany's recent struggles in international tournaments have put additional pressure on Nagelsmann and his squad. The upcoming Euro 2024 offers a significant opportunity for the team to restore its reputation as one of football's powerhouses. The players who cut must step up and fill the void those who missed out left. For the snubbed players, it’s a harsh reminder of the competitive nature of international football, but it also motivates them to prove their worth in future competitions.

With the tournament starting soon, all eyes will be on how Germany performs. Will the young talents rise to the occasion, or will the absence of seasoned veterans be felt? Only time will tell. As the host nation, Germany will undoubtedly have the support of the home crowd, which could play a crucial role in their campaign. For now, fans and players alike can only wait in anticipation, hoping that Nagelsmann's choices will lead to glory on home soil.