Euro 2020: Müller and Hummels in Germany squad

After more than two years in the international wilderness, Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller have been recalled to the Germany squad for next month's Euros.

Germany coach Joachim Löw named the experienced pair in his 26-man squad on Wednesday. Löw's decision to recall two of the three players he axed after Germany's dreadful World Cup 2018 (Jerome Boateng misses out) comes after his much-heralded rebuild struggled to take off. Germany endured a tough Nations League campaign and suffered a shock loss to North Macedonia in World Cup 2022 qualifying at the end of March.

Löw said the return of Hummels was built on "absolute conviction" that he'd make a difference. "He's played in several tournaments and knows what to expect in the difficult moments," Löw said.

U-turn

His change of heart appears to have been a result of the players' improved form, the impacts of the pandemic on planning and rebuilding, and Löw's own decision to end his reign after the upcoming tournament. Clearly the Germany coach sees the recall of Müller and Hummels as his best chance of going out with a second major tournament win, after the World Cup 2014 victory he enjoyed with Hummels and Müller to the fore.

Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala, who recently pledged his international future to Germany rather than England, makes the cut but fellow teen prospect Florian Wirtz was a surprise omission.

With the return of Müller and Hummels an open secret, perhaps the biggest surprise was the inclusion of leftback Christain Günter. The Freiburg player's only previous international appearance was an eight minute cameo in a 2014 friendly. Monaco striker Kevin Volland also gets the nod despite not having played for Germany since 2016. 

"We have been following his performances in France this season, he brings great penetration. His physique and his goal threat will be a great addition for us," Löw said of Volland.

Tough group

While the squad also features a number of players from the Bayern Munich side who remain European champions, for another week at least, Germany will have their work cut out. Löw's side were drawn in Group F with European champions Portugal, world champions France and an emerging Hungary side.

"We're certainly not one of the favorites at this tournament, not like France or some of the other top teams," said Löw. "For us, every single game is going to be a knock-out tie, especially the opener against France. So it will be important just to get out of the group and try and establish a rhythm. It's not conducive to performance to think too far ahead."

The tournament kicks off on June 11 with Italy vs. Turkey in Rome while Germany make their bow against France in Munich on June 15.