The hosts of Euro 2024, Germany, have drafted Emre Can into their squad to replace Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is sidelined due to tonsillitis, as confirmed by the DFB on Wednesday.
Can, who led Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in June, first played for Germany in 2015 but hadn’t been selected since September 2023.
The ex-Liverpool and Juventus midfielder has 43 caps for Germany, netting one goal.
This is the first time Dortmund’s Can has been called up by current coach Julian Nagelsmann, with his previous selection coming under former manager Hansi Flick.
A DFB spokesperson announced at a press conference at Germany’s Euro 2024 headquarters in Herzogenaurach on Wednesday that the decision to replace Pavlovic with Can was made by the coaching staff, including head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann stated on Wednesday, “We wanted another defensive midfielder in the squad,” adding that Can had “immediately expressed his enthusiasm and willingness” to join the team.
“We wanted to have another player in the squad who has played a lot of games, who knows how to deal with the pressure. (Can) can fulfill the profile that we can use now.”
Can, 30, who had missed the initial selection in May, expressed hope for a “way into the side through the back door”.
Due to Pavlovic’s illness, Germany delayed their scheduled team photograph on Wednesday.
Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala commented at the press conference, “It’s a real shame for Pavlo. He was really looking forward to being there, was hoping to play and had trained well.”
Pavlovic, who made his debut with Germany in a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, was unable to play in the recent 2-1 victory over Greece.
The 20-year-old Bayern midfielder, who was first called up in March but missed friendlies against France and the Netherlands due to similar health issues, was a surprise inclusion, having been selected over his experienced teammate Leon Goretzka.
Nagelsmann chose to bring in Can rather than recall Goretzka, who has 14 goals in 57 appearances for Germany.
