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Peak Germany, this is not – a Nations League defeat to Hungary highlighted that – but it is a more competitive side than was on show at Euro 2020. Under 57-year-old Hansi Flick, the squad feels more balanced, and that famous ruthlessness has returned. Perhaps the best indication of their turnaround came after a muted 2-0 win against Liechtenstein in Flick’s first match in charge: Germany won the home game two months later 9-0 in Wolfsburg.

In personnel terms, Jonas Hofmann is the headline story. The Borussia Monchengladbach winger has become integral at the grand age of 30 and has proved surprisingly versatile, even as a goalscoring right-sided wing-back.

A historic run of four consecutive 1-1 draws in 2022 put the brakes on the hype but, in avoiding defeat to the Netherlands and England, Germany’s confidence remained intact for them to then batter European champions Italy 5-2 in late June.

Toni Kroos’ international retirement after Euro 2020 was unsurprising and unproblematic given German midfield riches, but it was a reminder that the country’s generational shift continues. This will be a swansong World Cup for 36-year-old captain Manuel Neuer (above), and the same may be true for Thomas Muller, Ilkay Gundogan and – if fit, given his ankle injury – Marco Reus. All four will likely stick around for Euro 2024 in Germany, but there isn’t much time left to enjoy this team.

The German FA continues to endure rather than enjoy, though there were smiles when they finally opened their new central campus in Frankfurt (their equivalent of St George’s Park). However, they – as with every FA and team at this tournament – will face stern questions about what they plan to do to raise human rights issues in Qatar, and whether their words will be followed by action. Thus far, it has been down to the players to speak up.

Otherwise, this tournament is almost a free hit. The last one was so bad, and with a home European Championship in two years, Flick & Co are in a prime spot now. If performances are good, and all signs suggest they will be, then Germany can make a step in the right direction by reaching the latter stages.

2 goals: Niclas Fullkrug, Kai Havertz

1 goal: Serge Gnabry

1 yellow card - Thilo Kehrer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka

Hansi Flick coached this side’s spine during his historic time as Bayern Munich manager and was also a crucial backroom figure in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win. Tactically flexible and bright as a button, he knows his team and what it takes to win at this level – a scary combination, especially for a team as consistent as Germany.

This could be Jamal Musiala’s tournament. The 19-year-old has been sensational for Bayern Munich, offering game-changing agility and skill. The Stuttgart-born attacker – who was an England youth international after spells with Southampton and Chelsea from the age of seven – is now a must-pick and he’ll surely dazzle.

National managers were allowed to bring 26 players to last summer’s European Championship for the first time at a major tournament, as a special measure brought in due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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