International Retirement

The performance of Manuel Neuer with Bayern Munich against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has sparked debate in Germany over whether he should be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals was built, in part, on Manuel Neuer’s performance. That put the veteran goalkeeper back in the spotlight, fueling debate over whether he should return to the Germany national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “This version of Neuer is world-class; he belongs in the national team,” said legend Lothar Matthaus after the match, according to Marca. He also sent a message to the Germany head coach: “I hope Nagelsmann watched the match. I would love to see Neuer in this kind of form at the World Cup… but I also know that won’t happen. Nagelsmann won’t open that door.” That push comes nearly two years after Neuer’s retirement from international soccer. He chose to close that chapter of his career following Germany’s elimination from UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals against Spain. In that way, the goalkeeper said goodbye to Germany after 15 years, having first been called up in 2009. During that span, he played in four World Cups and four European Championships, and won the sport’s biggest prize at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. In total, he made 124 international appearances and recorded 54 clean sheets. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “The best players have to go to the World Cup, and Manu is by far the best goalkeeper in the world,” said former star Benedikt Howedes, who was Neuer’s teammate at the 2014 World Cup. Even a current Germany and Bayern Munich player, Aleksandar Pavlovic, shared his view: “I would never say no to Manu, no matter his age. He is still an exceptional goalkeeper.” What did Neuer say about a possible return to Germany? Those calls for Manuel Neuer’s return to the Germany national team generated enough speculation that the 40-year-old goalkeeper addressed the topic himself after the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League. “Everything has already been said about it,” Neuer replied when asked about a potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he chose to focus on his club objectives: “What matters now is finishing the rest of the season with Bayern. I’m enjoying my time with the team, at the club, with the coaching staff. It’s true that I’m 40 years old, but I’m still here.” How have Germany replaced Neuer? Since Manuel Neuer’s international retirement, Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to test different options in goal for Germany. Over the past two years, the coach has used three different goalkeepers in official matches and friendlies. The most-used has been Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, with a total of 11 appearances. Behind him is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has managed just four matches due to injury issues during his time with Barcelona, which have also kept him sidelined at Girona. The third goalkeeper selected by Nagelsmann is Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel, who has featured in three matches.

Switzerland are going to be playing at the World Cup this summer without one of their most iconic players. Xherdan Shaqiri has scored many goals at major tournaments over the years, but he won̵…

As Germany line up at the 2026 World Cup this summer, there will be one huge name missing from their squad. Manuel Neuer will not be going to the tournament with his nation, after making way for a …

In this special exclusive interview brought to you by Sky Bet, Gary Neville sits down with Kyle Walker as he brings the curtain down on his international career with England. With an incredible 96 caps for the Three Lions, Walker reflects on the highs and lows of his England journey, from breaking into the national team to helping rebuild the squad after the disappointing defeat to Iceland at EURO 2016. Walker also played in some of England’s biggest matches in recent history, including two EURO finals against Italy and Spain. Looking back, would he change anything to help England finally get over the line? Is Kyle Walker the greatest English right back of all time? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - International Retirement, why now? 04:49 - England Career Reflections 07:46 - Bayern Interest under Tuchel 08:47 - How England Changed Since 2016 23:17 - World Cup Chances Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest news and updates from the world of football. We hear from OTB's Football correspondent, Nathan Murphy, who was in Liverpool yesterday evening, during those tragic scenes on Water Street. New recruit, Erin Healy, speaks ahead of Ireland's Nations League fixture with Turkey this coming Friday. Mary Earps makes the decision to walk away from international football, just five weeks from the start of England's Euros campaign. Carlo Ancelotti names his first Brazil squad. Cristiano Ronaldo has teased a new move away from Al Nassr. Links between Napoli and Kevin de Bruyne have strengthened... Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/join

Lisa Carlin and Sandra Herrera went live on YouTube, as they do every Wednesday at 11am ET, and played a game of "State Your Case" explaining what USWNT fringe/bubble player they believe should be on the USWNT Olympic Roster this summer (2:44). Next, the ladies chat about what NWSL International players had a good run after being called into duty this past international window (11:49). Then, Lisa and Sandra explore some underrated NWSL kits of 2024 and reveal their all-time favorites the league has ever produced (19:27). And finally, in the ICYMI segment, they discuss the surprise international retirement announcement from England's Rachel Daly, the upcoming match for the Chicago Red Stars at Wrigley Field, and what city they'd like to see get the 16th franchise in the NWSL (35:22). Watch USWNT, NWSL and WSL games on P+" with a link to https://www.paramountplus.com/home/ Attacking Third is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Attacking Third team on Twitter: @AttackingThird, @SandHerrera_, @LisaCarlin32, @Jordangeli , @JennyaChiu and @Darian_Jenks. Visit the Attacking Third YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/attackingthird You can listen to Attacking Third on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast." For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jenny Chiu, Lisa Carlin, Sandra Herrera, and Darian Jenkins discuss the latest news in the women’s game including Caroline Seger announcing her retirement from international play, Sarah Lowden formally leaving the Houston Dash, and the 2025 Euros taking place in Switzerland (2:10). Then, the crew talk Women's Nataions League Match Day 5 with England surpassing the Netherlands and Sweden missing the Olympics for the first time ever (9:50). Next, Christine Cupo is welcomed in to discuss the Italy's huge upset over the current World Champions Spain (24:33). Then, the A3 team take a deeper look at the USWNT result over China from the weekend, what stood out, and what they hope to expect when the two face off again Tuesday night (33:48). And finally, some notable CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup results including Mexico over Puerto Rico to punch their ticket to the Group Stage (42:50). Watch USWNT, NWSL and WSL games on P+" with a link to https://www.paramountplus.com/home/ Attacking Third is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Attacking Third team on Twitter: @AttackingThird, @SandHerrera_, @LisaCarlin32, @Jordangeli , @JennyaChiu and @Darian_Jenks. Visit the Attacking Third YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/attackingthird You can listen to Attacking Third on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast." For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices