The German national team kicks off the World Cup year. The national coach’s first squad selection comes as little surprise.

Real Madrid have paid a heavy price for failing to replace Toni Kroos following his retirement in 2024, but then doing so was always going to be a tough task. For starters, the ex-Germany international ranks as one of the finest deep-lying playmakers of the modern era.

Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has received an apology after his appearance was mocked by a Go Ahead Eagles player in their Europa League game on Thursday. Second-half substitute Victor Edvardsen was booked shortly after gesturing at the German international's nose during the 4-0 defeat. The Swede was heavily criticised on social media and, after the Dutch club also handed him a fine, he issued an apology.

A dominant 4-0 win for Stuttgart in the Europa League was overshadowed by controversy after Go Ahead Eagles forward Victor Edvardsen mocked Angelo Stiller with an offensive gesture, sparking backlash and a brief on-field scuffle. While Wesley Sneijder condemned the act as “absolutely unacceptable,” Stuttgart downplayed the incident and strengthened their push for a top-eight finish.

Stuttgart are bracing for a decisive summer as interest intensifies in Angelo Stiller, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund monitoring his situation. Stuttgart director Fabian Wohlgemuth accepts that there is growing interest in the midfielder, but insists there have been no concrete proposals from other clubs.

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Stuttgart and Germany international midfielder Angelo Stiller, who could be available for a fee in the region of €60 million ($53m). Stiller is one of a six-man shortlist of midfielders prepared by the Red Devils, as Ruben Amorim seems desperate to sign a new player for the central midfield role to strengthen the position.