Several Arsenal stars are potentially set to be dropped by their National Teams after disappointing performances at Euro 2024.
There is plenty of speculation about Bukayo Saka’s spot on the right wing for England, whilst Jorginho is set to be dropped to the bench for Italy’s knockout tie against Switzerland after a disappointing display against Croatia.
Attacker Kai Havertz was trusted in the number nine role for hosts Germany, and started the tournament well against Scotland, but has gone quiet since, leading to suggestions that he could be dropped for the impressive Nicklas Fullkrug.
With Germany set to face Denmark in the last 16, it now appears that Havertz, who ended the season for Arsenal in excellent form, will no longer lead the line for his country.
Germany to make Kai Havertz change for Euro 2024 clash with Denmark
German outlet BILD have now reported that Julian Nagelsmann will bring in Fullkrug at number nine for the Denmark clash, and this could mean one of two things for Havertz.
The Arsenal star will either drop to the bench, or he will drop into an attacking midfield role in place of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz.
Nagelsmann has previously suggested that Havertz’s form for Arsenal, as well as Fullkrug’s ability to impact the game from the bench, earned him his starting spot, but he will now change his side after two quiet games from the former Chelsea attacker.
“His role is big because he scores goals. It’s not always just about who starts. It’s also about the alternatives. He can start, but he can also bring energy from the bench. I’ve made my decision, but I’m not going to tell you now,” Naglesmann stated of Fullkrug, suggesting that Havertz has played a significant part in his decision to bench the Dortmund star.
Kai Havertz needs to perform well to earn striker spot back
Havertz initially struggled after his move to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta deploying him in a midfield role with little success.
The 25-year-old then enjoyed a revival as a number nine, and thrived in front of goal in 2024.
If he is deployed in a different role for Germany, he may find the similar problems he had in midfield for Arsenal could come back to haunt him, but if he is to play for his country, he needs to earn his striker spot back with his performances.
Fullkrug outplayed the Arsenal ace in his cameos off the bench, and Havertz now needs to show that he has the quality to win his place back.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.