Malick Thiaw called up to Germany squad for U21 Euros

„I’m grateful and proud to be called up to the Germany U21 team for the first time,“ said Thiaw following the announcement. „I promise that I will give my best to help the team be as successful as possible.“

Thiaw will make his debut in Germany colours at the tournament. Despite being born in Düsseldorf, Thiaw, who has a Senegalese father and Finish mother, only recently received a German passport. The central defender is currently playing his first season as a full professional, having captained the Schalke U19s last campaign.

„Malick fully deserves this call-up,“ said Peter Knäbel, who currently has full sporting responsibility at the club. „Despite the far from easy situation of the past few months, he has made the leap from youth to first team footballer. It’s also a great recognition for the club that yet another player from the Knappenschmiede is among the best U21 players in Germany. We have our fingers crossed for him, of course.“

Markus Schubert has also been called up to the squad. The goalkeeper is currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Tournament split into two stages

Germany U21s open Group A on 24 March against hosts Hungary, before facing the Netherlands (27 March) and Romania (30 March). „It’s our clear aim to reach the finals in summer, even though we know it’ll be a huge challenge,“ said Kuntz.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the UEFA executive committee decided to split the U21 Euros into two stages. The group stage, with 16 teams, takes place between 24-31 March, with the top two qualifying for the knockout stages taking place from 31 May-6 June 2021.