Kevin Schade’s exclusion from Germany’s latest international squad has raised eyebrows, with former midfielder and Sky Germany pundit Didi Hamann openly questioning Julian Nagelsmann’s selection. The Brentford forward, now 23, has become a central figure under Keith Andrews in west London and appears to have put his injury struggles firmly behind him.
Hamann was left unimpressed that Schade has once again been overlooked, arguing that his form for Brentford merits recognition at international level. “When I see Julian Nagelsmann’s squad nomination for the upcoming international matches, I ask myself: ‘What about Schade?’,” Hamann wrote. “The player is currently our most successful player. He scored eleven goals last season for a mid-table English team, Brentford. Not many people manage that in England. I would have loved to have him in the squad.”
Germany are preparing for their next round of fixtures, but for Schade the wait for another cap continues. His debut came back in March 2023, with his last outing just 13 minutes in a friendly win over the Netherlands in October of that year. Nearly two years on, the forward remains on the outside looking in.
Brentford star showing consistency under Keith Andrews
Schade has become one of Brentford’s most trusted players, starting seven league matches this season and completing 90 minutes in the last four. While his tally of one goal might not jump off the page, his overall contribution in attack and pressing has been important in Brentford’s solid start to the campaign.
Having scored 12 goals and registered three assists across 43 games last season, Schade has already proven his ability to contribute regularly in the Premier League. More significantly, he appears to have overcome the adductor injury that kept him sidelined for 201 days between September 2023 and April 2024. His durability and consistency are now among his strongest assets.
Player focus: Kevin Schade season stats (2025/26 Premier League so far)
| Stat (2025/26) | Kevin Schade |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 7 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Key Passes per game | 0.7 |
| Accurate Passes per game | 8.0 (59%) |
| Acc. Own Half | 3.2 (79%) |
| Acc. Opposition Half | 5.2 (50%) |
source: sofascore match data – 3 October 2025
The numbers show why Hamann believes Schade deserves another chance at international level. His contribution is not limited to goals but includes link-up play and reliable passing in both halves. With improved accuracy in the attacking third, he could take his game to the next level and make himself impossible for Nagelsmann to ignore.
Analyst verdict: Germany missing a forward option
John William, FootballPlace analyst, suggests that Germany may be overlooking a forward whose profile could add balance to their squad.
“Kevin Schade isn’t just about scoring goals. He stretches defences, presses relentlessly, and offers versatility across the front line. For a national team still searching for attacking identity, leaving him out seems conservative. Hamann is right — Schade’s performances deserve recognition.”
William also warned that continued exclusion could hurt morale: “Players who consistently deliver at Premier League level need to feel the national team door is open. If Nagelsmann persists with the same options, he risks missing out on form players like Schade.”
Key insights
- Kevin Schade omitted from Germany’s October squad despite solid Brentford form.
- Didi Hamann says the 23-year-old’s 11-goal return last season merited inclusion.
- Schade has 1 goal in 7 appearances this term, completing 90 minutes in the last four.
- Injury-free after a long lay-off, he is establishing himself as a key figure under Keith Andrews.
- Stats underline his link play and passing reliability across the pitch.
What’s next for Schade and Germany?
Schade will continue to focus on Brentford’s domestic campaign, aiming to add goals to his all-round contribution. Consistent club form could still earn him a late call-up in future squads.
For Nagelsmann, the challenge is balancing tried-and-tested names with emerging options. If Germany’s attack stumbles in the coming fixtures, questions about Schade’s absence will only grow louder.
👉 Should Kevin Schade have been recalled by Germany, or does he need to prove more before regaining his international spot?
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