Joachim Low ready to rotate squad for Northern Ireland clash

Posted Tuesday, November 19, 2019 by PA

Germany coach Joachim Low could use Tuesday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Northern Ireland to experiment with his line-up and give opportunities to some fringe players in his squad.

With qualification sewn up, the match offers Low a chance to continue the development of his young squad before next summer’s finals.

“I will certainly make some changes tomorrow,” Low said. “Some players need an opportunity to play. It is good if a certain central axis persists but I want to see some other players and give them confidence.”

With that central axis in mind, Low confirmed he intends to start Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos and Joshua Kimmich together in midfield, but Jonas Hector will come in for the injured Nico Schulz on the left, while Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will start in goal.

“I am still thinking about the centre of defence,” he added.

Jamal Lewis has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad with a knee injury.

The Norwich left-back did not travel to Frankfurt and has returned to the Premier League club for assessment on the problem.

Lewis, 21, started Saturday’s goalless draw against Holland but was replaced by Jordan Thompson late on due to the injury.

“Jamal Lewis has returned to Norwich City for assessment on a knee issue sustained during Northern Ireland’s 0-0 draw against the Netherlands,” a statement from the Canaries said.

“Lewis was forced from the field of play on 81 minutes with pain in his right knee during Saturday’s game in Belfast, meaning he will miss their game against Germany on Tuesday night.”

Saturday’s result ended Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2020, though they are assured of a play-off place.