Dárdai & Ngankam make Germany U21s squad

In Márton Dárdai and Jessic Ngankam, Hertha have two players called up to the Germany U21s squad for the U21s EUROs. Antonio Di Salvo originally called up a provisional squad of 26 players, including goalkeepers, before cutting three players on 14th June. “We have worked together towards this tournament with the players, coaching staff and backroom staff for two years, the anticipation is enormous,” said Di Salvo ahead of his first U21 EUROs as head coach. “Now it is about getting the team into as good condition as possible step by step and over lots of training sessions, which I am unbelievably looking forward to,” explained the 43-year-old.

Two preparatory friendlies during training camp

Between 10th until 18th June, Di Salvo’s team have a training camp ahead of the U21s EUROs, which take place in Georgia and Romania from 21st June until 8th July. There the title holders begin their defence with a game against Israel (22nd June), before taking on Czech Republic (25th June) and England (28th June). There are two friendlies planned for the training camp. The team played against a South Tyrol XI in Prad on 12th June and will play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Switzerland U21s on 16th June.

Dárdai with strong record in qualification, Ngankam made his debut in March

Hertha’s number 31 has played five times for Germany U21s so far, with three of them coming in qualification for this tournament, where him and his teammates managed to play three games without conceding a single goal. In March 2023, Ngankam made his debut, playing two friendlies against Japan and Romania, scoring one goal.

Pekarík called up by Slovakia, Lukébakio for Belgium

Peter Pekarík remains a stalwart for Slovakia. Hertha’s right-back will take part in qualifiying for the 2024 EUROs in Germany. Francesco Calzona’s side will be playing Iceland and Liechtenstein in Group J. After two games, Slovakia are in second place behind Portugal and have four points. In Group F, Dodi Lukébakio and Belgium will be in action. Domenico Tedesco’s side won their opening game and will face Austria and Estonia next.