Tony Kroos’s comeback from international retirement has started with two impressive results, but Carsten Ramelow remains “skeptical” about Germany’s UEFA Euro 2024 hopes.
Los Blancos midfielder Tony Kroos reversed his decision to quit Julian Nagelsmann’s national team and returned in March ahead of back-to-back wins over France and the Netherlands.
In doing so, the 34-year-old, who had not played on the international stage for 3 years before, equaled Jurgen Klinsmann’s 108 caps, with only seven players now having more caps for Germany.
Tony Kroos was an integral figure in Nagelsmann’s midfield as the UEFA Euro 2024 hosts swept France 2-0 in a friendly with Lyon before beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the meeting in Frankfurt.
Still, former Germany midfielder Ramelow is unsure whether Nagelsmann’s side will reach similar heights when hosting the European Championships in June.
“I don’t know what happened with the team in the March games, but the results were good,” former Bayer Leverkusen player Ramelow told Stats Perform.
“In Germany now you tend to say we’re going to win the Euros… We’re also playing at home so we’re already European champions – it’s always interesting how the media sees it.
“The recent results and performances of the national team were positive. They improved dramatically, as did the overall mentality.
“We will see if it was the influence of Toni Kroos. He is a player who has maintained a very high level during his years with Real Madrid, there is no doubt about that.
“He can help the team, but whether it’s something for the future remains to be seen. I’m still skeptical because we’ve had many years where nothing worked and two games where they played well.”
Ramelow was at least pleased to see Germany find fundamentals like “passion, heart and determination” in friendly victories. However, he insists only time will tell on their success and Kroos’ performances.
“[The results] also created euphoria, which is good,” added the versatile 46-game German defender. “But in the end, we must wait for the tournament to start.
“Then we’ll see if it all still works between Toni Kroos and the rest of the team. I think it’s too early to say we’re back on track and we’re going to have a successful tournament.
“As for Toni Kroos, I also have to say that I was a bit surprised by his comeback because they tried to start again.
Germany opens their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland on June 14, although Kroos and his team will face Ukraine and Greece in friendlies before the tournament kicks off at the Allianz Arena.
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