Berger sits out Germany games as Wück names six from English league

First-choice goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is being rested for Germany women's friendlies against Australia and Japan next month as coach Christian Wück named six players from the English Women's Super League for the first time.

Captain Giulia Gwinn returns to lead the 24-player squad after the Bayern Munich full back missed the World Cup qualifying wins against Norway and in Slovenia in June after shoulder surgery.

Wück has called up England-based Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea), Lea Schüller (Manchester United), Vivien Endemann (Liverpool), Carlotta Wamser (Manchester City), Selina Cerci (Arsenal) and for the first time 19-year-old winger Lisa Baum (Arsenal).

Centre backs Rebecca Knaak of Manchester City and Kathrin Hendrich of Cologne are out injured, with Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses) also not fully fit.

The games on October 9 in Karlsruhe and against Japan on October 13 in Bremen mark the start of the season for Wück and the Germany team ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil (June 24 to July 25). 

"These are exactly the kind of matches we need in order to keep developing the team and take the next steps," the coach said.