Werner set for Germany debut as Podolski bids farewell

AFP,  BERLIN: World champions Germany open their 2017 campaign by bidding farewell to veteran forward Lukas Podolski while rising star Timo Werner is set to make his debut against Gareth Southgate's England on Wednesday.
Germany have struggled to settle on a striker to replace all-time top-scorer Miroslav Klose, who scored 71 goals in 137 internationals, and retired after they won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“I do wonder where the next Miroslav Klose is?” Germany's head coach Joachim Loew asked a year ago before adding Klose to his coaching staff.
“Where is the striker, who plays in the middle, who is quick, has a strong header and is dangerous in front of goal?”
Loew believes he has his answer and wants to blood Werner with one eye on June's Confederations Cup in Russia.
The 21-year-old fleet-footed striker drew the attention of Loew, and Liverpool, according to reports, with a series of dynamic performances and has so far bagged 14 goals for Leipzig in their first Bundesliga season.
Loew says Werner has the potential to be world class and will test his rising star against the Three Lions.
Werner admitted he nearly crashed his car when the Germany call-up came.
“I had to be careful not to tear the wheel off,” Werner told Die Welt.

 

Werner set for Germany debut as Podolski bids farewell

AFP, BERLIN: World champions Germany open their 2017 campaign by bidding farewell to veteran forward Lukas Podolski while rising star Timo Werner is set to make his debut against Gareth Southgates England on Wednesday. Germany have struggled to settle on a striker to replace all-time top-scorer Miroslav Klose, who scored 71 goals in 137 internationals, and retired after they won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I do wonder where the next Miroslav Klose is? Germanys head coach Joachim Loew asked a year ago before adding Klose to his coaching staff. Where is the striker, who plays in the middle, who is quick, has a strong header and is dangerous in front of goal? Loew believes he has his answer and wants to blood Werner with one eye on Junes Confederations Cup in Russia. The 21-year-old fleet-footed striker drew the attention of Loew, and Liverpool, according to reports, with a series of dynamic performances and has so far bagged 14 goals for Leipzig in their first Bundesliga season. Loew says Werner has the potential to be world class and will test his rising star against the Three Lions. Werner admitted he nearly crashed his car when the Germany call-up came. I had to be careful not to tear the wheel off, Werner told Die Welt.