Rudi Völler opens door to Germany return for in-form Füllkrug

Füllkrug returned to Germany in the summer after a difficult spell abroad with West Ham United and has quickly rediscovered his goalscoring touch. The 33-year-old has scored four goals in his first five Bundesliga appearances this season, putting himself back on the national team radar.

Speaking on Doppelpass on Sport1 on Sunday, Völler acknowledged the striker’s qualities and suggested that his recent performances could put him back in contention.

“He can head the ball, that’s a fact. If he scores goals like that, well, why not?” Völler said, before adding that Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp would be keeping an eye on Füllkrug’s performances over the coming weeks.

The Bremen forward was once again the centre of attention on Friday, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against his former club Borussia Dortmund. Following the match, Füllkrug himself expressed openness to a potential return to international football, although he stopped short of actively pushing for a recall.

However, Völler was keen to stress that Füllkrug is unlikely to represent a long-term solution for Germany, particularly with the next European Championship in 2028 on the horizon.

“We’re talking about the European Championship in two years; he’ll be even older then,” the former Germany team manager pointed out.

Nevertheless, Völler did not rule out a more immediate return, highlighting the striker’s proven ability to make an impact when called upon.

“But if things continue like this, he’s already proven that you can always throw him in,” Völler said, adding that “good performances in the Bundesliga help” all players hoping to earn international recognition.

Füllkrug has previously demonstrated his value on the international stage, scoring 14 goals in 24 appearances for Germany. If he can maintain his impressive start to the season, the Bremen striker could yet give Nagelsmann something to consider ahead of Germany’s upcoming international fixtures.