Nagelsmann gives positive update on Brown, ends Kimmich midfield debate

The German head coach noted that the full-back is nearing a return to fitness and rejected the idea of returning Joshua Kimmich to midfield.

Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images.

Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Nathaniel Brown should be fit again for Germany's upcoming Round of 32 game at the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking after the four-time world champions' Group E defeat at the hands of Ecuador, the Germany head coach said Brown is “doing well and we think he can play on Monday”.

When asked about his team's composition and whether Joshua Kimmich could shift from right back into central midfield, Nagelsmann was quick to shut down the proposed idea. 

“So should Pavlović be benched, or what? I think Aleks [Pavlović] and Felix [Nmecha] are doing a good job [in midfield together]. 

“Jo [Kimmich] was outstanding at the [2024] Euros as a defender, leading the way in every key metric. I don't want to leave out either Felix or Pavlo. That's not my plan,” he concluded.