How did Chelsea’s German trio perform at Euro 2020?

The Euro 2020 schedule saw Tuesday’s begin with a Round of 16 clash between Germany and England from Wembley Stadium in London. It was a match that Chelsea fans had their eye on with six different Blues potential featuring. Sadly, that did not happen, rather only three played—all on the German side. Mason Mount and Reece James were unused substitutes for England and Ben Chilwell wasn’t in the match day squad. Obviously, Mount and Chilwell just got out of quarantine and weren’t expected to play, but James continues to be overlooked by Gareth Southgate, who favors Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier.

We can talk about Southgate’s team selection from a Chelsea perspective ad nauseam, but the Three Lions are through to next round and criticism can been thrown at them at a later date if need be. Instead, let’s recap Die Mannschaft’s Euro 2020 and the effects the premature departure has on Chelsea’s German contingent going forward.

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Joachim Low—when he is not picking his nose or smelling his hands after a good scratch—can largely be viewed as the manager that rebuilt the German National Team from the ground up when he took over in 2004. 10 years onward he led his country to glory by winning the World Cup, but since then (the last three tournaments), things have been nothing short of a disaster. Euro 2020 was the final nail in the coffin for Low. The long-time German gaffer will now be replaced by his former assistant and Bayern Munich manager, Hansi Flick. The future for Die Mannschaft may be bright under Flick, but in terms of this tournament’s disappointment, we will have to wait and see.

Antonio Rudiger and Kai Havertz featured from the start in all four of Germany’s games. It was the latter of the duo in particular that showed the talent he really is, chipping in with crucial goals and great performances in every contest. Rudiger, on the other hand, didn’t show his real quality. Whether that’s down to the system or lack confidence with his defensive partners remains to be seen. Chelsea’s German centerback didn’t keep a single clean sheet. In addition, Rudiger was caught “biting” Pogba—there’s no excuse, no matter what his real intentions were—and his side conceded seven goals in four games. Therefore, it’s safe to say the tournament didn’t go to plan for the Germans. Only winning one game, regardless of the teams Die Mannschaft faced, will viewed as a complete disaster. It’s no secret that it’s something Rudiger and Havertz will be looking upon with sadness.

What about the last member of this German side that plays for Chelsea though? Timo Werner needs a section for himself.

Unfortunately, Werner didn’t really feature throughout the European Championships. When he did, it wasn’t anything to write home about. He didn’t start in any of the group stage games and only played 40 minutes in total off the bench. Finally, when he got his opportunity to start versus England, he was subbed of in 68′, having had virtually no impact on the game whatsoever. That’s why this a such huge disappointment for not only German fans, but for fans of Chelsea, who wanted see Werner gain some confidence going into next season. We can throw the blame at Low for using Werner sparingly, but the reality is that players on better form deserved to start over him. It’s down to Werner to take his chances when given to him and he simply did not do that at the Euros.

As for the future, it’s safe to say Havertz will only grow from here and establish himself as one of best players in Premier League. Rudiger will—in my opinion—bounce back and return to his ridiculous form of last season. As for Werner, on the basis of last season and the Euros, it’s safe to say Chelsea needs a striker. Regardless of whether or not the Blues get one, this could be Werner’s last chance to prove that he can recapture his RB Leipzig form or his days in SW6 could be numbered.

What did you think of Chelsea’s German trio at the Euros? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!