Germany's Ter Stegen: Starting position at Euro 2028 not a guarantee

Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen doesn't want to assume that he's guaranteed a spot in Germany's starting line-up for Euro 2028.

"That's what the past has taught me. I don't want to think about what will happen in two years," he told Wednesday's Sport Bild weekly.

Ter Stegen returned to the national team during the international break in October and November. It was his first time with the team since June 2025. 

He was supposed to be Manuel Neuer's replacement, after the latter retired following Euro 2024.

But a back injury, followed by a thigh injury, not only saw him losing his spot in the national team and this year's World Cup, but also his starting position at Barcelona.

Ter Stegen still has a contract with the Spanish club until 2028, but after a six-month loan to Girona, he's now on loan at Ajax.

Germany face Serbia in the Nations League on Friday and Ter Stegen is expected to be the starting goalkeeper. But until Euro 2028, he will have to compete at least with Besiktas' Alexander Nübel and Bayern Munich talent Jonas Urbig.

"I'm excited to get to know Jonas better and see him in action during training," Ter Stegen said.

The veteran goalkeeper, however, sees his experience as a boost to his aim of becoming Germany's number one.

"We recently haven't had the best phase with the national team. Many people are quick to demand that we bring in new players, that all the youngsters have to be included. I think that's generally good and right, but there will also be difficult moments, and then experience will be important," he said.