It was not for the want of trying.
When Jamal Musiala joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2019 and, 19 months later, committed to representing Germany, there were suggestions that both Chelsea and England had let him slip through the cracks
That was nonsense, of course, because the Premier League club had offered him a contract and Gareth Southgate outlined his plans for a midfielder who is quickly becoming one of the world’s best young players.
But Musiala, who was born in Stuttgart and arrived on England’s south coast without a word of the language at the age of seven, felt his pathway to first-team football was clearer at Bayern (this was pre-Frank Lampard offering a series of Cobham graduates their breaks) and then felt a stronger affinity with Germany.
“In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in,” Musiala told the Athletic in a revealing interview last year. “Still, it wasn’t an easy decision for me.”
While there are no hard feelings, a sense of what might have been lingers.
The young man affectionately known as “Bambi”, a nod to his youthfulness, is thriving at Bayern and may be a key influence for Hansi Flick’s team as they search for redemption following 2018’s embarrassing exit.
Whether there are low expectations or extra pressure to avoid another humiliation depends on who you speak to but another fall at the first hurdle would be disastrous.
In a group featuring a Spain team that has dazzling young midfield talent of its own, Germany appear to be in a straight shootout with their European neighbours for top spot as neither Costa Rica nor Japan possess anywhere close to the same level of ability and elite experience.
Yet there remain plenty of questions and doubts about Flick’s squad.
In goal Manuel Neuer, at 36 years old, remains one of the world’s best but they do not possess the talent at full back as many of the other top contenders.
With former Chelsea man Timo Werner absent through injury, Kai Havertz will likely lead the attack behind Thomas Muller or Musiala. But those who have watched Havertz closely at Stamford Bridge will be aware that for all his undoubted ability there remains issues of consistency.
A lack of first-rate depth is highlighted by a recall for Mario Gotze, who is experiencing a renaissance at Eintracht Frankfurt, and the wildcard selection of Borussia Dortmund’s rising star Youssoufa Moukoko, who does not turn 18 until Sunday.
Then there is midfield. Manchester City ’s Ilkay Gundogan and Joshua Kimmich may face a toss up for a central role alongside Leon Goretzka, while Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane should occupy wide spots.
Where Musiala fits in exactly is anyone’s guess but he will be heavily involved. Already this season he has played centrally and on both flanks for Bayern on top of one appearance up front and Flick has leaned on that versatility for the national team too.
With such a congested schedule and players arriving without much time to adapt, there will be plenty of rotation. That means the fresh legs of a man already garnering comparisons to some of the game’s greats will be vital. Lothar Matthaus compared Musiala to Lionel Messi after he provided two assists in his 100th appearance for Bayern last weekend.
Germany have arrived in Doha as only the sixth favourites according to bookmakers but if Bambi can find his legs only a fool would rule out a run to the final.
