Germany’s Euro campaign ended at the Round of 16 at the hands of England. The 2-0 defeat was the final match in the 15-year long career of Joachim Löw, who managed the German national team for the last time at Wembley as they succumbed to the home team.
Löw will be replaced by his former assistant manager, and former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick. The pair helped their national team win the 2014 World Cup, and Flick won the sextuple in his first season in charge of the Bavarian club.
Die Mannschaft is expected to undergo a makeover following the major tournament as well. In a rather surprising development over the last few days, Toni Kroos is expected to retire from international football following the Euros. ‘It was an even game until England’s opener,’ he said afterwards.
‘Both teams cancelled each other out. We got out of a tough group, but it hurts a lot to go home now.’
Kroos has been vocal about his intentions of retiring from football earlier than most other players. According to German publication BILD, the 31-year-old is expected to announce his retirement from international football imminently. He has a contract with Real Madrid until 2023, and could hang up his boots with the Spanish club at the end of his current contract as well.
The World Cup winning midfielder is expected to be joined by Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels through the exit door. Being one of Germany’s most important players in recent years, the club will have to do without one of their best players in the 2022 World Cup.
