Germany starting XI vs Northern Ireland: Kimmich captains; Wirtz, Gnabry and Woltemade lead attack

Germany have confirmed a bold, attack-minded XI to face Northern Ireland with Joshua Kimmich wearing the armband. Oliver Baumann starts in goal behind a back four of Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and David Raum. Leon Goretzka partners Aleksandar Pavlović in midfield, while Karim Adeyemi and Florian Wirtz operate between the lines. Serge Gnabry and Nick Woltemade lead the line, suggesting a flexible 4-2-2-2 shape. The selection blends Bayern Munich experience with Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund form players, and hands Woltemade a statement role. It’s a side built for front-foot pressing, vertical passing and quick combinations through Wirtz.

Germany’s senior men’s team have released their starting lineup to face Northern Ireland in an international fixture during the current national-team window. The XI reflects Julian Nagelsmann’s continued experimentation with a fluid 4-2-2-2, prioritizing high pressing and quick transitions. The selection also underscores a strong Bundesliga core, mixing title-winning experience with emerging talent.

𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗫𝗜 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: Baumann - Kimmich ©, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum - Goretzka, Pavlović - Adeyemi, Wirtz - Gnabry, Woltemade

@iMiaSanMia

Impact Analysis

Nagelsmann’s XI signals several strategic priorities. First, handing the armband to Joshua Kimmich reaffirms his leadership in a hybrid role: nominally at right-back but stepping into midfield during build-up, enabling a 3-2 structure with Raum pushing high on the left. That framework gives Germany stable circulation while freeing Florian Wirtz to receive between lines and dictate tempo.

The double pivot of Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlović balances legs and line-breaking. Goretzka’s late-box arrivals complement Pavlović’s security in first-phase progression; together they can compress space on turnovers and win second balls, a critical factor against a compact Northern Ireland block. Out wide, Karim Adeyemi’s depth-running stretches the last line, opening half-spaces for Wirtz, whose diagonal feeds suit Serge Gnabry’s blind-side movements.

Choosing Nick Woltemade as a starter hints at a plan to anchor attacks with a connective 9 who can pin centre-backs and wall-pass into runners. That should prevent isolation of the front two and offer a pressing trigger on backward passes. Defensively, the Tah–Schlotterbeck pairing marries aerial dominance with progressive carrying, though transition cover behind advanced full-backs will be tested. Overall, this XI aims to control territory, force turnovers high, and convert them into quick, high-value chances.

Reaction

Early fan chatter splits along familiar lines. Many applaud the inclusion of Florian Wirtz, calling him Germany’s most in-form creator and the natural hub of Nagelsmann’s attack. Others zero in on the heavy Bayern presence, debating whether continuity or perceived favoritism drives selection. The midfield pairing provokes mixed views: supporters highlight Goretzka’s big-game pedigree, while skeptics question whether Pavlović’s coolness under pressure will translate against a deep, rugged opponent.

There’s excitement around Nick Woltemade’s start, seen as a refreshing change of profile up front, with optimism that his link play will unlock Gnabry and Adeyemi. Northern Ireland fans, buoyant and tongue-in-cheek, relish the underdog role and talk up set-piece danger. Commercial and off-topic replies add the usual social-media color, but the core debate focuses on Germany’s shape and whether Kimmich at full-back elevates the build-up or leaves transition gaps. Overall sentiment skews cautiously optimistic for Germany, with curiosity about how the press will function across 90 minutes.

Social reactions

كيميتش ظهير مركزه الحقيقي

ربيع (@R3Bayern)

The Germans don’t believe us, We’re gonna win the league 💚

Beetroot 🇬🇧🤝🇮🇱 (@CharltonPlaque)

Goretzka muss rr nacktbilder von Nagelsmann haben

Exitus (@Exitus_ME1)

Prediction

Expect Germany to dominate territory and possession, using Kimmich’s interior movements to create a 3-2 base that feeds Wirtz between lines. Early phases should feature diagonal switches to Raum and rapid inside combinations with Gnabry, aiming to destabilize Northern Ireland’s compact mid-block. The first goal likely comes from a turnover high up: Goretzka pouncing on a loose pass, Wirtz threading the release, and a curved run from Gnabry finishing the move.

Northern Ireland will target rest-defense gaps, probing behind Raum on quick counters and leaning on set pieces for xG. If Germany struggle to break through, look for tempo adjustments—deeper Wirtz receptions, more third-man runs from Adeyemi, and targeted overloads on the right with Kimmich underlapping. A late flurry is probable as legs tire: Woltemade’s hold-up draws fouls, creating dead-ball chances for Tah and Schlotterbeck. Forecast: Germany by one or two goals, with Wirtz central to at least one decisive action.

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Conclusion

This lineup encapsulates Nagelsmann’s intent: modern structures, bold pressing, and trust in Germany’s Bundesliga-driven core. Kimmich’s captaincy formalizes on-pitch leadership and tactical orchestration, while the Wirtz–Gnabry–Adeyemi triangle promises incision if supported by quick ball circulation. The Pavlović–Goretzka axis is the fulcrum; win the middle and Germany control the game’s rhythm.

Northern Ireland’s resilience means patience is key. Germany must protect rest-defense and manage transitions, especially when both full-backs advance. If stability holds, quality should tell. Regardless of the scoreline, this XI offers valuable data on partnerships and roles ahead of bigger tests to come. It’s a progressive step, blending reliability with fresh energy—and it sets a clear template for how Germany want to play.