The Real Madrid midfielder has urged the national team boss to select the “best team” for this summer’s European Championship.
Toni Kross questioned the continued absence of Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels from Germany’s Joachim Low squad.
Low announced his decision to sack Boateng, Muller and Hummels from his plans in March 2019 in a move designed to promote Germany’s next-generation stars following their disappointing performances at the 2018 World Cup.
Since then, Germany’s form has taken a turn for the worse, leading to calls for the revered trio to return, with Kroos as the newest player indicating Low should reconsider his stance with regard to choosing more experienced players.
What is said?
Asked if he would like to see Boateng, Muller and Hummels recalled ahead of this summer’s European Championships, the German midfielder said Sky Sport Germany: “I am quite self-conscious because, first, I am a national team player, secondly, thank God, I don’t have to make decisions, and third, I have played with them for many years.
The problem is that what I see, at least in reporting – if you focus only on that – is that you will have a different national team after every Bundesliga game, and we all know it doesn’t work.
“I believe that in the end you have to plan a little bit ahead. I now question whether the coach’s plans have gone his way.
“It is clear that the intentions after the World Cup are relatively clear. And now you have to find the best team for the next tournament.”
Are Boateng, Muller and Hummels worth remembering?
All three men can put forward strong cases when it comes to recovery at international level, with their performances on the club scene still as strong as ever.
Boateng and Muller helped Bayern win the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Pokal last season, and are likely to add more trophies to their respective collections at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
Hummels, meanwhile, has been a solid figure in Borussia Dortmund’s defense since returning to the club from Bayern in 2019, helping them to fight for awards in Germany and in Europe.
Germany’s defense woes
Low is under intense pressure to restore the talisman trio after a demeaning 6-0 defeat to Spain in the Nations League last November.
The result ensured Germany finished second in League A, Group 4 behind La Roja, who qualified for the final at their own expense.
Germany have conceded a total of 13 goals over their six group matches – the worst record of any team who finished in the top two in their pool.
Who has fought Germany at the Euros?
Germany is part of the so-called ‘Death Group’ for the European Championship, alongside Hungary, Portugal and France.
Portugal are the reigning champions of Europe and also lifted the inaugural Nations League crown in 2019, while France won the 2018 World Cup.
Low will be asked to hand over his final squad for the tournament in May, meaning Boateng, Muller and Hummels still have three months to try and force them back into their setup.