Julian Nagelsmann defends Kai Havertz amid calls for Arsenal star to be benched at Euro 2024

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has insisted Kai Havertz is key to the team's style of play, despite calls from fans for the Arsenal forward to be benched.

Havertz grabbed a goal and an assist in Germany's Euro 2024 opener against Scotland but has failed to find the back of the net in his last two outings, whereas substitute Niclas Fullkrug has already scored twice off the bench.

With many calling for Fullkrug to be given the chance to start in the last 16 against Denmark on Saturday, Nagelsmann insisted Havertz deserves far more respect than he is given.

"If you look at it from the outside, a demand for Fulle (Fullkrug) is understandable, even though Kai comes off much worse in the public assessment," Nagelsmann told RTL. "He has a clear job in many games, which means that he doesn't have many ball actions because he should create space for others. He did that exceptionally well.

"In our internal assessment, Kai is ranked much higher than he is in the public. For the striker, it's not always just about scoring a goal. If you're substituted and the opponent is already tired, you might have a little more space. Fulle has a good rating, but Kai is an important player for us.

"We'll see who starts [against Denmark]."

German outlet BILD conducted a poll of 138,000 Germany fans, with 90% of those involved wanting Havertz benched for Fullkrug.

Fullkrug has already broken a national record this summer. His goal off the bench last time out was his fourth as a substitute at a major tournament - no German player has ever managed more.

"Everyone gives it their all in training, tries to offer themselves," Fullkrug said of his role as a substitute. "The coach has chosen the same team three times so far. He did this with a certain reason in mind.

"Of course, it helps if you can substitute players with certain weapons."

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