DFB Women: Christian Wück's squad – No experiments

"After being informed that I was 'only' on call for the tournament, I have decided to end my career with the national team," Sara Doorsoun announced on Instagram on Monday. This meant that three days before the official squad announcement, it was already clear that the central defender would be missing from the final squad for the European Championship. Thus, there were no surprises at the announcement in the Swiss-themed area of ​​Europa-Park.

Apart from Doorsoun, only Lena Oberdorf was missing from the 25-man squad Wück had nominated for the Nations League matches at the end of May and beginning of June. However, the DFB had already announced the decision that Oberdorf was not yet fit enough for the European Championship last week.

The national coach was clearly keen to be transparent about another personnel issue: "With Nicole Anyomi, it's simply a matter of letting her knee problems heal," Wück explained the Eintracht striker's absence. He added: "This isn't a matter that will only take two or three weeks; it will take a bit longer. That's why she's not on standby." When asked whether the decision not to travel to the European Championships came from Anyomi or him, Wück clarified: "The impetus came from her." The personnel issue is somewhat controversial, as the Frankfurt native hadn't been nominated for six months and had criticized the national coach's lack of communication a few weeks ago.

One shaky candidate due to injury, however, who did make the squad, is Cora Zicai. She was nominated for the Nations League matches against the Netherlands and Austria, but was unable to participate due to injury. "I had already told her at the training camp that she would be invited once her injury had healed," Wück explained at the press conference announcing the squad. The national coach is confident in the 20-year-old's sporting potential and added with relief: "I've received a clear statement from the doctors that she's available."

Bayern youngster Alara Şehitler also missed the last two Nations League matches. The reason, however, wasn't an injury, but rather her high school exams. The 18-year-old midfielder last played for the national team in April and also had hopes of a call-up. However, those hopes were dashed. "With Alara, she faces a lot of competition in her position," the national coach explained her omission.

As in recent international breaks, Christian Wück is relying on Franziska Kett and Sarai Linder at left back in the back four. He also had other options available. Franziska Kett was only a backup to Carolin Simon for Bayern last season, but the national coach still prefers the 20-year-old to her 32-year-old teammate and also to 29-year-old Felicitas Rauch. He himself explained: "We had to make a fundamental decision as to whether to rely on experience or whether to prefer a 'young, wild' Franzi Kett."

Wück's decision was therefore hardly surprising. Despite her impressive performances for Bayern, Carolin Simon hasn't played a role in the national team for some time, and a few weeks ago, Felicitas Rauch publicly criticized the national coach for his communication. However, he himself emphasized that he had primarily opted for the young Kett: "I think Franzi did very well in the last game against Austria, and we as a coaching staff have now decided in favor of Franzi and not against Feli ( Rauch, ed. )." Part of the truth is probably that Felicitas Rauch and Carolin Simon, for all their attacking qualities, have weaknesses in defense and don't fit well into Wück's system.

With his nomination, Wück remains true to his philosophy: He prioritizes personnel continuity and emphasizes that the players fit his playing system and function as a team. He himself said at the squad presentation: "The team will make the difference at this European Championship." If the European Championship goes well, Wück may ultimately be celebrated for precisely that: for not daring to experiment in the final stages before the tournament.