Matthaus: There is no one in the German team who is the main force. If the level is maintained, they will be the first echelon in the championship.

On November 19, Matthaus wrote an analysis in a column. He believed that as the German team defeated Slovakia 6-0 and locked in the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the competition within the team is becoming increasingly fierce.

Matthaus said that the German team may have held a private meeting before defeating Slovakia. He speculated that the players reached a consensus without the involvement of coach Nagelsmann that "it cannot continue like this" and thus showed a new mental outlook in the game.

Matthaus pointed out that currently no player in the team has the "iron main" position, and competition has begun in many key positions. Goalkeeper: Although Ter Stegen is actively recovering, Matthaus made it clear that Bowman will continue to serve as the No. 1 goalkeeper at this stage, and the follow-up situation remains to be seen.

Core players also need to compete: Even core players such as Rudiger, Musiala, and Havertz need to compete for positions again after returning.

The "happiness trouble" in forward selection, Nagelsmann will face a choice next year, such as choosing between Musiala and Gnabry, or choosing between Havertz and Stuttgart youngster Walter Mader.

Matthaus emphasized that if the German team can maintain the level shown in this game, they will belong to the first echelon of the championship with England, Portugal and France. He compared the depth of the current team's lineup with that of the 1990 World Cup champion team, and believed that the healthy competitive environment with substitutes such as Hassler and Litbarski was similar to the current situation. This fierce internal competition will push each player to give their best before the World Cup.