Thomas Hitzlsperger on Germany's Euro 2024 Journey

Thomas Hitzlsperger, speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan in Germany expressed his delight with the start of Euro 2024, both as a German, a pundit and a football enthusiast. From the tournament’s opening in Munich to his travels watching matches in Dortmund, Dusseldorf and now Leipzig, Hitzlsperger has savored every moment. Experiencing games in multiple cities and meeting diverse fans has been a highlight for Hitzlsperger.

He particularly cherished Germany’s meaningful victory over Scotland, describing the atmosphere as friendly and peaceful. Attending the match with a Scottish friend added a personal touch, despite having to lift his friend’s spirits after a challenging first half. Reflecting on the match, Thomas Hitzlsperger praised Germany’s performance under Julian Nagelsmann, highlighting Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala as standout players.

He admitted missing out on scouting Musiala during his time at Stuttgart’s academy but has since marveled at Musiala’s rise to prominence with Bayern Munich. Watching Musiala now brings Hitzlsperger immense pleasure, noting his technical prowess, game understanding, and ability to thrive under pressure. He believes Musiala represents a new standard for German football, alongside talents like Wirtz.

Regarding Germany’s overall performance against Scotland, Hitzlsperger observed a marked improvement in urgency and defensive solidity. He acknowledged the advantage gained from Scotland playing with ten men but praised Germany’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing.

Looking ahead, Hitzlsperger is cautiously optimistic about Germany’s prospects in Euro 2024, emphasizing the need for consistency and resilience in tournament football. He believes Germany has set a high standard but recognizes challenges may lie ahead in maintaining it throughout the tournament.