Karl hopeful Bayern form can lead to World Cup call-up

Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl is hopeful he can secure a place in Germany’s World Cup squad this summer.

Karl, who turned 18 on Sunday, has impressed for Bayern during his breakout season, which has seen him break records for the Bundesliga giants.

Back in October, he became Bayern’s youngest-ever scorer in the Champions League at 17 years and 242 days old when he netted against Club Brugge, breaking Jamal Musiala’s record.

And at the age of 17 years and 290 days, he became the youngest player in the competition’s history to score in three straight appearances.

Overall, he has netted seven goals in 31 matches in all competitions this term, the fourth-highest total in the squad, while also providing three assists.

Karl’s form has seen him backed to earn a spot in Julian Nagelsmann’s party for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but he insists his focus remains squarely on achieving success with Bayern.

“For me, the only thing that counts is giving everything at Bayern – only then can I hope for a call-up,” Karl told Kicker while also confirming he has had no direct contact with Nagelsmann.

“Anyone who doesn’t hope for something like that has no place in football.

“Of course, there’s always more to achieve.

“Hopefully, I can score more goals, provide more assists and deliver even better performances.”