Germany’s tactical renaissance heading into the Women's Euros

Inside the evolution, vulnerabilities, and Euro 2025 hopes of the most successful team

Germany’s path to UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has been a blend of tactical evolution, defensive trial, and clinical attacking refinement. Entering the tournament as perennial contenders and record eight-time champions, their recent performances across 2025 Nations League fixtures and high-profile friendlies in 2024 suggest a side ready to challenge for honours, but not without areas of vulnerability that could determine their ceiling.

What belies form, which on paper is commanding coming into a tournament, is the weight of expectation. A question looms from every tournament Germany has participated in for the last decade; What happens when the script is no longer written in your favour. There’s a different kind of test waiting for Germany at Euro 2025. One that won’t be answered by possession stats or clean passing sequences. This is a tournament that exposes how teams react when their plans unravel, when rhythm turns to resistance.

Germany may arrive built to dominate, but their true credentials will be measured in how they handle discomfort, disruption, and the moments where control is lost. For all their structure and pedigree, Germany arrives in Switzerland not just as favourites, but as a litmus test for the modernisation of football legacy mixed with traditional German football philosophy. Can one of Europe’s most storied sides reclaim its status on top the Swiss Alps of European Women's Football?

NATIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES 2025

Much of Germany’s optimism heading into the Euro 2025 tournament stems from their remarkable record in their Nations League fixtures in 2025. These fixtures provided crucial insight into Christian Wück’s evolving tactical framework. An undefeated record in competitive fixtures in 2025, with 5 wins and 1 draw, these results paint the picture of a dominant side back to their ruthless best. A 10-1 aggregate win over Scotland over two legs, a 6–0 demolition job of Austria in June and the unexpected 4–0 thrashing of the Netherlands in May signal the firepower that exists within this squad as they have, over the last 12 months, crushed mid-tier to top tier opposition with equal efficiency expected of a top European side

Their only dropped points in 2025, The 2–2 draw between the Netherlands, offered a revealing snapshot of both teams’ tactical identities and vulnerabilities heading into Euro 2025. Germany began the match in assertive fashion, deploying a fluid 4-3-3 system that prioritised central control and aggressive high pressing. Early on, despite going a goal down, Germany dominated possession, circulating the ball with confidence and forcing the Netherlands into rushed clearances and ineffective transitions.

Their opening goal came as a direct result of this control. Germany’s Double pivot linking up with their wide players orchestrated a midfield overload that released Klara Bühl down the left, whose cross found Lea Schüller in the box for a composed finish. Germany’s pressing structure, especially in the first half, was both aggressive and intelligent: they boxed the Netherlands in, using the touchline as an extra defender and cutting off passing lanes through the middle.

Despite their early dominance, cracks began to emerge in Germany’s structure once the Netherlands adjusted their pressing shape. Shifting from an attacking 4-2-3-1 to a more compact and assertive 4-4-2, the Dutch began to disrupt Germany’s midfield rhythm, forcing turnovers in more dangerous areas. The equaliser was emblematic of this shift as a misplayed pass in central midfield led to a quick Dutch break, ending with a precise finish past the German keeper.

Though Germany regained the lead through a piece of individual brilliance on the flank from Julie Brand, finished off by Sjoeke Nüsken, they never truly regained the composure they had in the opening 30 minutes. As the match wore on, the Netherlands increasingly targeted the space behind Germany’s high defensive line. Their second goal, coming from another transition, exposed a structural flaw in Germany’s midfield coverage, with the holding midfielder caught too high and centre-backs forced to defend wide.

Statistically, Germany dominated possession (nearly 60%) and attempted more passes and shots, but their failure to turn control into sustained pressure ultimately cost them. The Netherlands, while less precise, were more dangerous in broken play, showing a clear threat every time Germany lost the ball in midfield. Germany’s pass completion hovered around 90%, with over 460 passes completed, yet many of these were horizontal and lacked final-third penetration in the second half.

The match was a reminder that tournament football often hinges on transitions and mental momentum, not just possession. For Germany, the draw exposed a tactical tension: they are excellent when dictating play, but still vulnerable when forced to absorb and respond.

Following their disappointing 2-all draw, Germany fired back in the second of the first round fixtures with a 4-1 come-from-behind thrashing of Austria. This win showcased a German side in dominant form, one that clearly intended to assert control both tactically and statistically from the first whistle. Austria struck early, scoring within three minutes—a reminder that Germany’s enthusiasm carried risk. But their response was emphatic. By the break, Germany led 1–1, thanks to Laura Freigang’s sixth-minute equaliser, and the game was decisively theirs after the interval.

One of the key tactical moves came at half-time with the introduction of Linda Dallmann who came off the bench to score one goal and make another, introducing a direct spark that lifted Germany’s performance in the second half. Her goal ten minutes after half-time exemplified her impact, timing, and ability to exploit a tiring Austrian midfield. Moments later, she assisted Giovanna Hoffmann for a third, effectively ending the contest. Vivien Endemann sealed the 4–1 win in the 79th minute, underlining Germany’s depth as she was another Super-Sub employed by Wück

Tactically, Germany operated in a clear 4-3-3 formation, with a midfield triangle that featured ball retention and vertical thrust. They pressed high in the first half to recover early but also demonstrated the capacity to reset into controlled possession building post-Dallmann’s introduction. Their flexibility to alternate between bursts of pressure and composure-based build-up made them clinically effective. Meanwhile, Austria’s vulnerabilities became clear: their midfield collapsed under transitional overloads, and their defensive line was repeatedly exposed, particularly in wide areas and during quick switches to Germany’s onrushing full-backs.

Statistically, Germany controlled both ends of the pitch. The possession dominance and passing accuracy mirrored their characteristic performance and the attacking productivity highlighted their capability to break teams down with varied patterns, from set-pieces to pressing wins.

Ultimately, this match reinforced Germany’s ability to absorb pressure, respond decisively, and then dominate flow and rhythm through quality squad depth, pressing timing, and incisive midfield play. Systematic self-correction and finish-rate efficiency set a blueprint for success for Germany, as it is undeniable they will face opposition in Euro 25’ that will challenge Wück’s traditional system, demanding in-game changes to preserve vertical compactness, recalibrate defensive cover in wide areas, and ensure fluidity between midfield lines when possession breaks down.

SCOTTISH DEMOLITION

Germany’s 4–0 away victory showcased a blend of aggressive pressing, clinical finishing, and smart use of width. They surged into a 2–0 lead inside 22 minutes, with a near-instantaneous long-range strike from Elisa Senß setting the tone. Shortly after, Jule Brand’s cross resulted in a Sophie Howard own goal. Second half efforts from Freiburg young-gun Cora Zicai and incisive counter-attack, neatly finished by equal Nations League top scorer (5) Lea Schüller saw the scoreline double, seeing the Germans with a resounding 4-0 win.

From a statistical point of view, Germany dominated possession and chance creation reasoning, harbouring most of the possession and dictating play with a high level of passes in game. Scotland’s defence was continually stretched and overwhelmed, with goalkeeper Lee Gibson sneaking praise for a “critical save” that prevented a heavier deficit

Tactically, Germany deployed a high-press 4‑3‑3, resisting Scotland’s attempts to build from the back. The midfield trio—anchored likely by Dallmann—influenced transitions, recycling possession while launching swift attacks to flanks. Scotland, unable to string passes under pressure, dropped deeper, nullifying their own creativity which allowed Germany not only to dictate play, but also tempo which allowed for variations of slow methodical build up to fast, devastating counter-attacks leaving the Scottish defence reeling.

In the reverse fixture, Germany visited Scotland and emphatically won 6–1, seeing the aggregate scoreline of both fixtures stand at 10-1.

Not changing much tactically, Wück held firm with his 4-4-2, which in-game, shifted into a 4‑2‑3‑1 to continue with the extra midfield dominance while flooding wider zones. Germany capitalized on early ball recovery in high zones as in both legs, they neutralized Scotland’s build-up, with clinical use of turnovers to spring fast attacks. Repeatedly exploring wide areas, Julie Brand and Selina Cerci constantly stretched Scotland’s defence, evidenced by crosses that led to own-goal and assists

Ultimately, these two clashes highlighted Germany’s blend of high-intensity pressing, wide play, and ruthless finishing demolished Scotland’s structural organization. Playing well and comprehensively beating Scotland will likely be a blueprint for Wück to replicate the type of low defensive blocks Germany will likely face in the group stage against teams who’ll look to frustrate and absorb pressure.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Their final two games of Nation’s League were arguably Germany's most comprehensive, with commanding score lines and a real statement win over a perennial European heavyweight in the Netherlands.

From the first whistle, Christian Wück’s side asserted a clear tactical intention: to control territory through compact pressing and manipulate wide overloads to unbalance the Dutch shape. Within nine minutes, the blueprint bore fruit. Klara Bühl stretched the play down the left, Janina Minge broke into the half-space, and Linda Dallmann swept home the opener — a fluid, well-synchronised move that hinted at how this German side blends positional discipline with expressive play. As Wück said post-match, “The goal was to test our automatisms under pressure. Today, they clicked.”

Germany’s second goal was textbook vertical progression. Jule Brand carried from deep, drew defenders out, and released Sjoeke Nüsken, who threaded a pass to Lea Schüller. The striker’s composed finish was her 39th goal in 59 caps, a reminder of her consistency and Germany’s ability to punish even minor positional errors. At that stage, the Netherlands had managed just one shot on target, smothered by Germany’s aggressive press that began as early as the Dutch defensive third.

Statistically, the game was lopsided. Germany held over 57% possession, completed more than 500 passes, and produced 11 shots, five of them on target, while limiting the Dutch to two weak efforts . Crucially, they created four big chances which they converted all to goals, a shift from previous matches where conversion had lagged behind xG. In Wück’s words, “We’ve been building the structure for months, but today we showed the end product. That’s what wins tournaments.”

Pressing in waves, when out of possession, Germany shifted into an effective low block that controlled space centrally and forced wide exits; on winning the ball, they immediately transitioned through wide forwards and fullbacks to exploit disorganized Dutch lines. The early 3–0 lead stifled any momentum the Netherlands might have built, allowing Germany to manage the game with composure.

Beyond the tactical execution, what this match laid bare was Germany’s unyielding mental toughness. Germany didn’t let up at 2–0 or even 3–0, piling on an extra goal after half time and held firm to finish the game 4-0, importantly not conceding any late consolation goals. They pressed, recycled, and forced errors, a relentless attitude that felt more like a side no longer just about structure and heritage, but about evolution.

As Germany prepares for Euro 2025, with group games against Poland and Denmark looming, this win isn’t just momentum. It’s a flexing of their footballing muscles- from structure to clinicality, their system not only works but is now brutally effective in practice.

Riding off the confidence of their win against the Netherlands and after defeating Austria in their first matchup of the group stage back in the February Nations League Fixtures, a 6–0 thrashing of Austria in the reverse fixture was nothing short of comprehensive. Every aspect of the game revealed German dominance and tactical precision. From kick-off, Germany asserted themselves using a high-tempo 4-3-3 formation that overloaded the midfield, allowing them to control possession and suffocate Austria’s ability to build any consistent attacks. This structure facilitated rapid transitions, particularly through the flanks, where full-backs continuously overlapped to provide width.

Behind the eye test, the statistics paint a story of German technical superiority. Germany's pass completion rate surpassed 88%, with over 500 completed passes, enabling fluid circulation that Austria could only disrupt sporadically.

Tactically, Germany’s defensive line remained high throughout, inviting Austria to commit and then springing forward in waves, using midfield pivots like Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nüsken and Frankfurt’s Elisa Senss to recycle and launch counter-pressing. Austria, forced into deep blocks, could barely muster any threats with their few half-chances came largely from set pieces or speculative long-range efforts. Notably, German width overloaded Austria’s compact defence, demanding two or three defenders to track runs into the channels, often successfully isolating an attacker to finish clinically.

For Germany, this 6–0 result reinforced their status as the highest-scoring team in Group A1, with 20 goals in six matches, while simultaneously maintaining one of the best defensive records—just four conceded. Beyond the scoreline, the match offered German coaching staff strong tactical confirmation: their possession-based dominance, vertical transitions, set-piece efficiency, and high-line solidity make them formidable. The only lingering question is how such attacking fluidity will fare when faced with opponents who refuse to relinquish control and react to these proactive transitions.

Their standard 4-3-3 system, under Wück, encourages aggressive overlapping fullbacks, midfield triangles, and a fluid forward line capable of both stretching defences and exploiting central channels. Against weaker teams, these patterns produce devastating results, as seen by the high number of goals and total shots. However, against tactically disciplined, high-pressing teams, Germany struggles. Their build-up play often becomes predictable, the midfield lacks verticality, and the defence is repeatedly exposed by quick transitions.

Despite clean sheets in recent Nations League fixtures, Germany’s back line has been less convincing when tested. Marina Hegering, the most experienced of the central defenders, has battled fitness issues, while the fullbacks, particularly the young Felicitas Rauch and Sophia Kleinherne, often get caught out of position. In the Nations League draw to the Netherlands, Germany were outfought in midfield and torn apart on the counter. The defensive line played too high, while the midfield failed to apply adequate pressure on the ball, leaving acres of space for Dutch attackers to exploit.

Christian Wück, appointed in late 2023, has spoken often about returning Germany to its roots: efficient, assertive, and technically dominant football. There have been moments that reflect this vision, particularly in the 5–0 rout of Belgium But Wück’s tactical approach has been fluid to a fault. Germany has fluctuated between a possession-first game and more transitional, counter-attacking setups, sometimes within the same match. This tactical indecision often leads to confusion in player roles, especially in midfield, where Germany has yet to settle on a reliable anchor capable of shielding the defence and launching attacks.

The high press Germany likes to employ puts a significant burden on their defenders to win one-on-one duels and recover quickly, and when they fail, it leads to clear-cut chances for opponents. The Netherlands exploited this in both Nations League matches, particularly targeting the left side of Germany’s defence with diagonal balls into the channel. Without better defensive balance, Germany will be vulnerable against the speed and structure of Sweden and Denmark in Group C.

Germany’s Group C schedule is manageable, however there is an argument that a predominantly “easier” group could, similarly to the Women's World Cup in 2023, create a false sense of security, undermining the notable challenges they may face. They open against Poland on July 4 in St. Gallen Poland, ranked 30th by FIFA, are organised but limited in final-third quality, and Germany should dominate. The next match, however, against Denmark on July 8 in Basel, will be the acid test. Denmark’s direct style and physical midfield have troubled Germany in recent years, and their high-energy approach could create issues for Wück’s side. The final group match against Sweden in Zurich on July 12 is likely to decide top-spot. Sweden, perennial semi-finalists, blend tactical discipline with aerial power and transitional speed.

On the pitch, If Germany hopes to make a deep run, they must resolve three key issues: midfield cohesion, defensive solidity, and tactical clarity. Similarly, the psychological dimension also cannot be ignored. The form at the end of the last international window saw Germany's devastating loss to England in the Euro 22’ final which led to a notable period of decline in 2023 coinciding with multiple coaching appointments, significant figures retiring and an overall lack of identity plaguing a squad very much in footballing purgatory.

The most damning, and arguably peak of Germany's rapid decline on the international stage was at the start of this current international window. A tournament which saw Germany enter as favourites, The 2023 World Cup group-stage exit still looms large over this team. Undone by inefficiency in front of goal and lapses in defensive concentration.

Nevertheless, it would be wrong to view Germany solely through a lens of decline. There is elite talent in this squad, perhaps more than any other team in the tournament across every line of the field.

Ultimately, Euro 2025 will define the trajectory of this generation. For experienced players like Kathrin Hendrich, Sara Däbritz and Ann‑Katrin Berger, it may be the final opportunity to win a major trophy for their country. For emerging stars like Klara Bühl and Julie Brand, it’s a chance to stamp themselves on the international stage. For Wück, it’s a proving ground. Germany is not only good enough to cement themselves as favourites in this tournament, but win the tournament. Anything other than a positive showing would not only be seen as a disappointment, but arguably a failure on the international stage.

There is no doubt, as Euro 2025 begins, Germany walks a tightrope between resurgence and regression. Their 2025 fixtures have shown the former but it will be their competitive matches which will see them try and avoid the latter. Group C may not be the tournament's ‘Group of Death’, but it could very well be the trial by fire in which Germany’s new identity is forged—or fractured. What remains certain is that Germany has reasserted themselves on the continental stage. The glory days of winning six straight championships from 1995 to 2013 have been reimagined with a new, promising group ready to take the continent on in the most competitive European tournament women's football has ever seen. Arguably, Euro 2025 is not just about continuing to prove they still belong among Europe’s elite, but reclaiming the glory and status that once saw them as Europe's best.