Germany: Euro 2024 hosts are big beasts again after unfamiliar spell in the wilderness

It is hard to believe how quickly fortunes have changed for hosts Germany. For a long time there was a fear that they would be embarrassed on home soil.

After their shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar, the team was a mess, while a run of four defeats in five games last year culminated in a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Japan.

There was not even a lift when Julian Nagelsmann took over after Hansi Flick was sacked. In a friendly against Turkey in November, Kai Havertz played as a left-back in an experiment that went horribly wrong, as Germany lost 3-2. That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Austria.

But the mood has changed this year and Germany have hope again. Three wins from four games, including impressive victories over France and Holland, plus the return of Toni Kroos, mean they kick-off the Euros among the favourites.

Optimism is fuelled by the form of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Under Nagelsmann, the two 21-year-olds have been given the freedom to express themselves and are Germany's biggest attacking threats.

Arsenal's Havertz acts as a focal point, while Kroos is bidding to end his trophy-laden career on a high before retiring after the tournament.

If there is a concern, it is in defence. Both Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah are excellent centre-backs, but beyond them is a lack of depth.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also under the spotlight after a few high-profile errors.