
Germany played World Cup winners France in their first outing in the newly created European competition (Group A). In the first match since the early exit in Russia, Joachim Löw's team were on top for much of the game but failed to convert their chances and the encounter ended in a 0-0 draw –Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Jonathan Tah did not get on so Havertz has to wait for his debut on the international stage. That could happen on Sunday (9 September, 20.45 CET) when Germany play Peru in a friendly in Sinsheim.
Aleksandar Dragovic (Austria), Issac Kiese Thelin (Sweden), Tin Jedvaj (Croatia) were in action with their national teams in friendlies on Thursday night: Austria beat Sweden 2-0 in Vienna. Kiese Thelin played in the first half for the visitors and Dragovic came off the bench for Austria for the second half. At the same time, World Cup runners-up drew 1-1 with Portugal – Jedvaj came on after 35 minutes.
Jakub Bednarczyk started for the Poland U20s (substituted on 85 minutes) in a 3-0 defeat against Italy in an eight team tournament in Lodz. New signing Paulinho played for the Brazil U20 team on Wednesday in 1-0 victory away to Mexico.
While their team-mates are away from Leverkusen on international duty, the rest of the Werkself in Leverkusen continue with their training regime. After the closed session on Wednesday, Herrlich's squad trained again yesterday morning. Good news: Wendell has recovered from the knock he picked up against Wolfsburg, which sidelined him for the past few days – the Brazilian full-back completed an individual 45-minute session on the neighbouring pitch.


Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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