From the bench to the Euro: How 33‑year‑old Füllkrug uses new chances
At the German national team’s training camp in Herzogenaurach, the 33‑year‑old striker Niclas Füllkrug confirmed his nomination for the upcoming European Championship, after missing the 2026 World Cup following a weak season. He hopes to revive his international career and deliver a goal‑scorer package for the tournament.
"It is a confirmation and recognition for what you deliver with the team at club level," Füllkrug said at the press conference announcing the nomination. He also emphasized that his success at Werder Bremen clearly contributes to his performances.
National team coach Jürgen Klopp recalled the Bremen striker after he had already scored 14 goals in 24 internationals, for the final matches of the Nations League against Serbia in Belgrade and the Netherlands in Berlin. Klopp praised Füllkrug’s impact not only for his goals but also for his style of play and experience.
The coach also opened the possibility that Füllkrug could be part of a potential Euro 2028 in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. "If there were a European Championship tomorrow, we would of course take him," Klopp said, showing no doubt.
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Füllkrug himself stressed that he does not look too far ahead, but plays in the here and now and wants to convince people that he is an alternative. He added that the attacking positions of the national team are already well covered.
Successful Return at Werder Bremen
Since his move to Werder Bremen, he has scored nine goals in nine Bundesliga matches, leading the scorer’s list, and also netted three times in two DFB‑Cup games. Füllkrug said the team now wants him, which had not been optimal before.
The 2025/26 season was frustrating for him: in the first half he made eight appearances for West Ham United without scoring, and after the winter transfer to AC Milan he scored only once in twenty games. He explained that he did not stay fit there, but he did not forget anything.
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DFB sporting director Rudi Völler called the 33‑year‑old’s return after a difficult year at AC Milan extraordinary and saw him as a potential joker for future matches, for example at the age of thirty‑five, when a strong aerial player is needed. Völler noted that Füllkrug does not feel like a 33‑year‑old.