Germany legend says team’ s talent could win Euros

Scotland have been warned they will come up against “once-in-acentury talents” when they face Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz in the Euro 2024 opener, according to Germany’s most-capped player Lothar Matthaus.

Steve Clarke’s men kick off the European Championships two weeks on Friday when they face a daunting opening game against the host nation in Munich.

Germany are on a high after two wins in the last international batch of friendlies against France and Netherlands and are one of the favourites to win their first Euros since 1996, when they were managed to glory by future Scotland boss Berti Vogts.

Matthaus – who won a record 150 caps, won the Euros in 1980, the World Cup 10 years later and was the first player to appear at five World Cups – has issued a stark warning for Scotland to beware of Bayern Munich ace Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen hero Wirtz.

He said: “The chance of Germany winning the tournament is great. We have a very, very good team.

“Jamal and Florian are our once-in-acentury talents.

“They have extra quality, outstanding technique and great understanding of the game. It is a pleasure to watch how they outplay their opponents.

“We don’t have a luxury problem, the two are a luxury gift for German football.

“Bringing Toni Kroos back has been a masterstroke.

“He is not captain – lkay Gundogan is – but he will actually take a back seat because everyone knows that Kroos is the real captain.

“This team can become European champions.

“We also have a very strong bench.

“I firmly believe this tournament will confirm the start of a new era of German football because our team has so much potential and so many good young players who are just at the start of their careers.

“I hope that we have all learned from the recent setbacks that we have to concentrate on football during the tournament – instead of putting other things above football.

“Our two good wins against the French and the Dutch were important in generating euphoria.

“The fans noticed that the team was playing for their country again and was putting in the effort, and the support of the fans is crucial to success.

“I hope for a complete summer fairytale this year – with the trophy in the hands of captain Gundogan on July 14 in Berlin.”

Lothar Matthaus has high hopes for the Germans.