The Werkself trio can take a break up to 2 June before the Germany squad meets up in Venlo for a short training camp in preparation for the two qualifiers.
While Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz will then be able to go on holiday, the services of Jonathan Tah will be required for the U21 European Championships (16 to 30 June in Italy and San Marino). Three days after the Estonia match, the 23-year-old defender will join up with the rest of the Germany junior squad at their team HQ. At the U21 Euros, the holders Germany face Denmark (17 June, 21.00 CET) and Serbia (20 June, 21.00 CET) in the group stage. "Jonathan Tah knows this situation as he is one of the key players in the U21s and the captain. At the same time, we want to keep on introducing him at the highest level," said Germany coach Joachim Löw in explaining his decision before adding: "Basically, players who have been with the senior squad obviously gain in confidence. And that can only help the U21s in a tournament."
Germany U21 coach Stefan Kuntz highlighted Tah's role as an "absolute leader on and off the pitch". According to Kuntz, the Werkself number four will not find it difficult joining up with the rest of the team at the training camp (2 to 11 June in South Tyrol).
The Croatia Football Association announced on Monday that Tin Jedvai is in the World Cup runners-up squad for the Euro qualifier against Wales (8 June) and for the friendly against Tunisia (11 June).
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Rieden reloaded: Just like last year, the Bayer 04 Women’s team are spending their summer training camp in this idyllic corner of Bavaria. From this Sunday, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team will be based in Rieden in the Upper Palatinate for a week.
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Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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