PASCAL GROSS has been handed a huge boost in his bid to make Germany’s World Cup squad after earning a recall to the national team.
The Brighton midfielder has been included for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana – and it could be a defining moment in his international career.
Boss Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear the squad is now close to being locked in ahead of the summer tournament.
That puts Gross firmly in the frame.
The 34-year-old last featured for his country in September but was overlooked in the following two squads.
However, since returning to Brighton following 18 months at Borussia Dortmund, he has had a strong run of form back in the Premier League – including a solid midfield performance alongside James Milner today in Brighton’s 2-1 win at home to Liverpool.
CAMPER
Win a VW Campervan + £5,000 or £40,000 cash alternative from just 16p with our code
OLD BUT GOLD
Danny Welbeck leapfrogs 6ft3in teammate in stunning goal celebration
That has seen him force his way back into conention.
Gross has been a key figure under Fabian Hurzeler, starting Brighton’s last 12 matches while showcasing his trademark versatility across midfield.
That adaptability could prove vital on the international stage.
Since making his Germany debut in 2023, Gross has earned 16 caps and scored one goal.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
His strike against Greece in June 2024 made him Germany’s second-oldest goalscorer ever, behind only Richard Kress.
He has also twice been crowned Brighton’s Player of the Year in 2017/18 and 2023/24 – underlining his importance at club level.
Now, with midfield spots opening up since the international retirements of Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan in 2024, Gross has a golden opportunity to cement his place.
Nagelsmann said: “If everyone is fit, that’s pretty much set in stone. We won’t be experimenting any more.
“With a certain core group, we no longer pay attention to their form on the day.
“We don’t react to every little dip unless it lasts six weeks.
“The crux of the tournament is this – 14 or 15 players get 95 per cent of the playing time, the others get a few minutes – but that role must be filled with maximum commitment.”
The message is clear – roles are defined, and Gross is right in the mix.
He isn’t the only familiar face returning either.
Former Brighton striker Deniz Undav has also been recalled after a stunning season with VfB Stuttgart.
Undav has racked up 21 goals in 37 games in all competitions, putting him among the most in-form forwards in Europe.
Only Harry Kane has outscored him in the Bundesliga this season.
With the start of the World Cup less than three months away, both Gross and Undav are staking claims at just the right time.