Nathaniel Brown discusses World Cup starting chances and competition with Raum

Nathaniel Brown discusses World Cup starting chances and competition with RaumDavid Raum was a nailed-on starter at left-back for Germany throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign, but it was Nathaniel Brown who was given the nod in Sunday’s 4-0 friendly win over Finland, with the RB Leipzig captain remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

>Speaking during a virtual media round on Thursday evening, Brown assessed his chances of starting at the World Cup.

>“I’m extremely happy to be part of the World Cup squad. Of course, I think I have a chance to play, but we’ll have to see whether I actually get on the pitch or not,” he said.

>On his competition with Raum, the Eintracht Frankfurt defender added:

>“We get along very well. He also gives me tips from time to time because he’s older and has more experience.

>"I don’t really mind whether I play or not. Of course I want to play, but we have a big goal. We have to put our egos and personal ambitions aside. It’s great if I play, but if David plays, I’ll support him and be fully behind him.”

>Who starts at left-back in Germany’s final warm-up friendly against the United States on Saturday could provide a strong indication of who will be given the nod in their World Cup opener against Curaçao on June 14.