With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Germany is grappling with a dilemma: should they stick with Manuel Neuer as their goalkeeper, or is he becoming a liability? The 38-year-old has been a stalwart between the posts for the national team since 2009 and was instrumental in their World Cup triumph in 2014. However, recent errors, including one that gifted Greece a goal in a friendly, have fans and the media questioning his form.

Uli Stein, a former top goalkeeper, wrote in Kicker that selecting Neuer was a “home-made problem” for head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Stein suggested that Neuer no longer justifies his place on sporting merit and should have been left out of the squad. Despite this, Nagelsmann has stood by his decision, declaring Neuer as Germany’s undisputed No. 1 back in March.

Neuer has come under scrutiny for high-profile mistakes, such as spilling a tame effort against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. With Germany’s tournament opener against Scotland fast approaching, any further errors could intensify calls for a change. This summer’s tournament will be Neuer’s eighth for Germany, and he will be eager to replicate his 2014 World Cup performance, where he was named the best goalkeeper.

Germany faces a challenging group, including Hungary and Switzerland, and must decide if Neuer is still their best option. With the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders, Neuer will be keen to prove his doubters wrong and show that he remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers.

Head Coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Neuer as Germany’s No. 1

Neuer under fire for error against Real Madrid in May

Speculation over Marc-André ter Stegen being Germany’s top keeper