Jonny Burkardt has been called up to the Germany squad for both upcoming games in the UEFA Nations League by head coach Julian Nagelsmann this Sunday. The Mainz academy product, who has shone this Bundesliga season with five goals in six games, travels to Herzogenaurach in place of Kai Havertz, who misses out due to a knee complaint. Burkardt has already played 45 times for the Germany youth teams and won the 2021 U21 European Championships alongside the Germany U21s. In the upcoming games in Zenica against Bosnia and Herzegovina (Friday, 11th October, 20:45 CEST) and in Munich against the Netherlands (Monday, 14th October, 20:45 CEST), the Mainz vice-captain now has the chance to win his first full Germany cap.
“Jonny has completely earned this call-up with consistently strong performances. He returned to the pitch stronger than ever last winter after his long, bitter injury layoff and was an important factor in us achieving survival in the second half of the season. We are very proud of him, there certainly won’t be a single person in Mainz who isn’t be happy for Jonny,” said Christian Heidel, board member for sport at 1. FSV Mainz 05.
Burkardt himself confirmed modestly on Saturday evening that playing for the national team was a personal goal of his. “It is a dream for every player,” said Burkardt at the Millerntor via SKY, “I am trying everything to perhaps be asked along one day.” At the very least this call-up has meant that achieving that goal has happened much quicker than anyone could have expected.