Crippled by self-doubt, haunted by demons of past failures and questions about their coach.... It's Germany's turn to flirt with self destruction at the Euros, writes IAN HERBERT

The cloudless blue skies arrived here this week, taking the German nation subconsciously right back to the sun-drenched days of 2006, when they came third in the World Cup on their own soil. The team's sunny disposition is something coach Julian Nagelsmann has been working on day and night, with meals taking place around large tables and seating plans changing every day, all in the name of unity. Germany are hoping to relive some of the joys of the 2006 World Cup - though that ultimately ended in pain Nagelsmann's tactics didn't work at Bayern Munich and players complained about overcomplicated training Germany's 'racehorses' in Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are thriving but not everyone is Jonathan Tah struggled against Switzerland while Kai Havertz has drifted since the first game After a bumpy first few months at the national helm from last September, he has settled on a style that works for a German generation of real talent. Nagelsmann, much taken with the team ethic which saw Germany crowned 2023 world basketball champions, invited Gordon Herbert, the team's Canadian coach, to Herzogenaurach at the start of the tournament. 'Julian gave a great speech when we first got together,' observed Rudi Völler, German FA sporting director, whose legendary status and gruff, old-school style has enhanced the national team's popularity.