Thilo Kehrer has been named in Germany’s 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.
The 26-year-old will head to his first World Cup finals, looking to add to his 22 caps – and also net his first goal - for his country in Qatar.
One of the most successful countries in the tournament’s history, Germany's most recent – and fourth - World Cup triumph came at the 2014 edition held in Brazil. Mario Gotze's extra-time winner proved decisive in a 1-0 win over Argentina in the Final held at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.
Germany have also previously won the tournament in 1954, 1974 and 1990. They seek a fifth World Cup title in Qatar.
In Qatar, Germany take on Japan, Spain and Costa Rica in Group E.
Kehrer and company begin their 2022 World Cup campaign against Japan on Wednesday 23 November at 1pm GMT at Khalifa International Stadium, then face Spain – in a repeat of the UEFA 2008 European Championship final - on Sunday 27 November at Al Bayt Stadium at 7pm GMT.
Germany’s final Group E match will see Hansi Flick’s outfit meet Costa Rica on Thursday 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium at 7pm GMT.
Kehrer’s international debut came in a 2-1 win over Peru in an international friendly in 2018 under former Germany coach Joachim Löw.
But it is under Flick that Kehrer has become a regular for his country. He has missed just two international matches since the former Bayern Munich coach took charge of his first fixture against Liechtenstein in September 2021.
Born around 20 miles south of the city of Stuttgart, Kehrer was first capped by Germany at U16 level in May 2012. Five years later, he was part of the Germany squad that lifted the UEFA European U21 Championship, appearing in the semi-final win over England on Germany's way to winning the tournament in Poland in June 2017.
The Hammers’ No24 – who arrived in east London from Paris Saint-Germain this summer - went on to earn 33 caps at an age-group level from U16 to U21.
Kehrer will join teammates Lucas Paquetá and Alphonse Areola in Qatar after the duo were named in the France and Brazil squads earlier this week.
