February 23 – Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos will return to the German national team in time for Euro 2024 selection, despite retiring from international football three years ago.
The 34-year-old made the announcement ahead of a round of international friendlies versus France and Netherlands next month, which will be followed by the Euros campaign on home soil in June.
Kroos originally quit the German setup after crashing out of Euro 2020 in the Round of 16, putting an end to a string of unconvincing performances. The midfielder pulled on the Germany jersey a total of 106 times.
The result followed another underwhelming display in the 2018 World Cup which saw the Germans fail to escape the groups despite winning the tournament four years prior.
Stepping out in their first competitive international showing without Kroos for the 2022 World Cup, Germany replicated their 2018 disappointment with an exit in the earliest stage of the competition.
The midfielder is enjoying an inspired run of form for Los Blancos: a model of experience and reliability amongst a host of budding young talent as his team push for their third LaLiga title in five years.
He will join Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan, Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala in contention for a place in the German midfield.
Announcing his return to the team, Kroos wrote to his 44.5 million Instagram followers: “People, short and painless: I will play for Germany again in March. Why? Because I was asked by the federal coach, I’m in the mood and I’m sure that with the team at the European Championship, much more is possible than most believe right now!”
Ranked 16th in the World Rankings, Germany are outsiders to lift the Euros trophy come July despite their status as hosts. Eight European teams are ranked higher than the 2014 World Cup winners.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713952048labto1713952048ofdlr1713952048owedi1713952048sni@g1713952048niwe.1713952048yrrah1713952048