“Very bad idea”, “What is Nagelsmann cooking” - Fans baffled as Germany don't name 21-year-old in line-up to face Spain in Euro 2024 quarter-final

Fans reacted with disappointment as Germany boss Julian Nagelesmann didn't name Florian Wirtz in his starting line-up to face Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on Friday (July 5) in Stuttgart. The two teams are coming off contrasting Round-of-16 wins.

After topping their group, Nagelsmann's side saw off 1992 winners Denmark 2-0 to book their place in the last-eight. Meanwhile, La Roja finished ahead of second-placed defending champions Italy before dispatching Georgia 4-1 to set up a blockbuster clash with the hosts.

However, fans are far from pleased with Nagelsmann not naming the 21-year-old Wirtz to start against La Roja instead of Leroy Sane.

One fan tweeted:

"No Wirtz against Spain seems like a very bad idea."

Another chimed in:

"Sane over Wirtz?? What is Nagelsmann cooking"

There were similar reactions from other fans, with Lancemavin posting:

"With Sane starting, a huge advantage for Spain! Vamos"

Icha RL commented:

"Where's Wirtz??? Please, no, Sane..."

Vid Mitra posted:

"No Wirtz also Can and Raum it's owari da"

Devam posted:

"Why wirtz not starting can anyone help me"

The two teams are meeting at the European Championship for the first time in 16 years since La Roja won 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna, thanks to Fernando Torres' first-half winner.

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Euro 2024: Germany vs Spain - A few tidbits

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann

Germany and Spain have been two of the standout teams at Euro 2024, with other title contenders like England, France and Portugal not entirely convincing, while defending champions Italy fell in the Round of 16, losing 2-0 to Switzerland.

The hosts have scored the most goals (10) at Euro 2024, one more than second-placed La Roja. Nagelsmann's side also edge out their fellow three-time champions in terms of possession (62% to 58.5%) and passing accuracy (92.2% to 91%).

Luis de la Fuente's side have had more ball recoveries (165-161) than Nagelsmann's men as well as more tackles (51-45). However, La Roja haven't beaten the host nation at a major tournament knockout since 1934.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners, though, are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Nagelsmann's side. Will they continue that unbeaten run against the hosts in Stuttgart?