Germany star Jamal Musiala has been backed to become his nation's key player at the 2026 World Cup, five years after he snubbed England. The 23-year-old rose through the Three Lions' youth ranks earlier in his career, starting at under-15 level and progressing to the under-21s, with a brief spell in Germany's under-16 setup in between. However, Musiala eventually declared for Germany in 2021, being eligible through his mother.
Having suffered a serious knee injury last summer that caused him to miss a large chunk of last season, Musiala has now recovered in time to secure a spot in Die Mannschaft's squad for the World Cup. Former Bayern Munich chief Matthias Sammer believes Musiala will prove to be one of the nation's best players in the USA.
Speaking to Sky in Germany, Sammer said: 'I'm absolutely convinced that Jamal Musiala will improve significantly as the tournament unfolds. Maybe not in the first match, maybe in the second. Then comes the knockout stage and suddenly he'll explode. He's gradually taking steps forward. When you have a world-class player, you should trust and support him. The coaching staff and his teammates should make him feel: Yes, we know you're not at 100% yet, but you will be. Join in, we trust you and you trust us.'
Sammer added: 'Even at 95 per cent, Jamal is still one of the most extraordinary players on the planet. I'm incredibly happy he's back and will help us.'
Musiala will aim to help Germany to their fifth World Cup title this summer, while England continue their long search for a second major trophy. Previously explaining his decision to snub the Three Lions and represent the country of his birth, Musiala said: 'I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating. I've thought about this question a lot. What is best for my future? Where do I have more chances to play? In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in. Still, it wasn't an easy decision for me.'
Since making his debut in 2021, Musiala has made 42 appearances for the German national team and scored nine goals.
