Some people say so; others are yet to be convinced.
I can understand both points of view.
Certainly, recent tournament history suggests the four-times world champions have a lot to do before they are ready to create Euro 2024 highlights at the sharp end.
Remember, Die Mannschaft bowed out of the World Cup for the second time in a row at the group stage in Qatar just 16 months ago.
Throw in a last 16 exit at the last European Championships and you can see why the pressure is firmly on a nation which was once viewed as tournament masters.
Now, as they prepare to host Euro 2024, which will be held from June 14 to July 14, can the Germans be top dogs again and the class of 2024 redeem the country’s footballing reputation.
They will certainly be desperate to improve on the underwhelming disappointments of the past six years.
Yet take a quick look at the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds and realise there’s plenty to be excited about.
As they prepare to head to Lyon for the first of two friendlies this week – a clash with France will be followed by a meeting with their old adversaries Holland in Frankfurt three days later – my advice is you don’t even to need to look too closely at the results.
For head coach Julian Nagelsmann is using the games to take one last look at who might make the cut for his squad.
He has called up six new faces in Bayern Munich teenager Aleksandar Pavlović, VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, Heidenheim talisman Jan-Niklas Beste, Hoffenheim top scorer Maximilian Beier and a duo of Stuttgart defenders in Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstädt.
However, it is a combination of experienced men like Toni Kroos and Antonio Rudiger, alongside younger talents, that I believe will give them the edge this summer.
If reports are to be believed, Nagelsmann wants to build the team around Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz (and possibly Leory Sane) with the know-how of Kroos, Rudiger, captain Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Neuer (although Marc André ter Stegen has his own justifiable claim to be number one).
Rudiger played a role in convincing his Real Madrid teammate Kroos to return to the national fold and, if fit, the midfield ace should be a guaranteed starter and will hope to dictate the play in Germany’s midfield.
Indeed, Kroos’ world-class passing ability, composure and security on the ball could be invaluable in contests should they meet other big-hitters further down the line.
The manager also knows he has to deliver.
Only last week, he spoke candidly about his future in charge of the national team and, perhaps the most reassuring thing that could happen before the tournament, is for the German FA to extend his contract and quash speculation.
Before Nagelsmann took the Germany job, he was linked with several clubs that were in need of a manager, but he wanted to avoid accepting a job too soon after being dismissed by Bayern Munich to weigh up his options.
He did take his time and ultimately felt that the national team job would be the best fit, though he has even been linked with potentially returning as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Bayern once the German departs the Bavarians this summer.
A contract extension would end possible uncertainty in the camp over his immediate future.
Paired in a group with Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland, Germany are my tip to be crowned champions of Europe this summer.
Yes, there will be pressure as hosts, but I think it is a pressure they will relish which is why I am tipping them to win the crown for the first time since 1996.
Many people in Germany will be rekindling memories of 2006, when the country last hosted a major international tournament and they can use that to their advantage.
The recent travails are well documented but I think they are stronger than the reigning champions Italy – who have since failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups – the nearly-men of Spain, who cannot re-create their golden era, and a Holland side which is not quite tournament-winning material in my mind.
Furthermore, they can certainly be as strong as beaten finalists at Euro 2020, England, and the powerful French.
So, there you have it, a new Germany is on the up and could be ready for lift-off.
Combined with a powerful and passionate home crowd, that could be enough to see them over the line this summer.
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