Maier expects Neuer as number one at Euros but against Kroos comeback

Manuel Neuer will be Germany's first choice goalkeeper at the home Euros next year but Toni Kroos should not make a comeback for the tournament, former great Sepp Maier has said.

Maier told broadcasters Sport1 in an interview made available on Sunday that he sees Neuer ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Bayern Munich's Neuer returned to action in late October from a leg fracture he sustained last December. He has been first choice at all big tournaments since 2010, and is expected to return into the national team for the next games in March.

Barcelona's Ter Stegen deputised for Neuer this year and wants to stay number one for the Euros. But he is now sidelined after a back operation.

"Ter Stegen is a very good goalkeeper but Manu is returning to his form of the past. Therefore there is no doubt who will be number one at the Euros in Germany," said Maier, a former Bayern great who won Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup with West Germany.

Maier never had any doubts that the 37-year-old Neuer would return from his injury, saying: "He is such a great goalkeeper, he simply had to come back."

Maier added in general terms he has mixed feelings concerning Germany's performance at the Euros, after poor tournaments in recent years and only three wins from 11 friendlies this year.

The modest results prompted some to call for Real Madrid midfielder Kroos to return into the team he quit in 2021, and coach Julian Nagelsmann seemingly not adverse to the idea.

But Maier said: "He has had his time. We have many talented players on his position who can help the team."