Nico Schlotterbeck in line for Germany start in Euro 2024 round of 16

Nico Schlotterbeck could be set for his first opportunity in the Germany starting XI at Euro 2024 due to Jonathan Tah’s yellow card suspension.

Germany secured top spot in their Euro 2024 group on Sunday evening, with Niclas Füllkrug coming off the bench to rescue a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. A round of 16 tie against the team that finishes second in Group C now awaits Julian Nagelsmann’s side. And Nico Schlotterbeck could finally get his opportunity to play from the start.

Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah played from the start in all three of Germany’s group stage games at Euro 2024. But the latter picked up his second yellow card of the tournament on Sunday, and will now be suspended for the round of 16 tie. The former may also be forced to miss the opening game of the knockout stage after picking up a thigh injury on Sunday.

Schlotterbeck came on to replace Tah at the hour mark against Switzerland, and could now replace the Bayer Leverkusen defender in the round of 16 tie. He could face competition from soon-to-be Borussia Dortmund teammate Waldemar Anton for a spot in the starting XI.

Although depending on the severity of Rüdiger’s injury, Anton and Schlotterbeck may well be asked to start together in the crunch knockout tie. Robin Koch is the fifth centre-back in the Germany squad, although he has yet to feature at the tournament.

Germany will play their round of 16 tie at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on June 29. They will go up against the Group C runners-up - one of England, Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia.