Flick pleased with Werner progress

Timo Werner can be "very satisfied" with his development at Chelsea, says Germany head coach Hansi Flick. The 25-year-old joined Chelsea for a reported €50million (£45m) from RB Leipzig contract ahead of the 2020-21 season. He endured a difficult debut campaign in English football, though the versatile attacker's 12 goals was the joint-most of any Chelsea player alongside Tammy Abraham.

After initially losing his place in the side this term following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, Werner has been a starter in Chelsea's last three domestic matches. With two goals and an assist from eight appearances overall, Flick is pleased with Werner's form in a Chelsea shirt. "Everyone has to take responsibility and show their own initiative," he said in a news conference ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Romania.

"As for the development of Timo at Chelsea: He can be very satisfied. But of course Chelsea have a team that is not so easy to play for. Kai [Havertz] also experiences that. The team is top-notch and is of great quality. "That's why a professional's career means that you have to go through valleys like this." Werner is part of Germany's squad as Flick's side look to tighten their grip on top spot in World Cup qualification Group J.

Germany won their first three qualifiers under new boss Flick last month, scoring 12 goals without conceding in victories over Liechtenstein, Armenia and Iceland. That made Flick only the second Germany head coach to win three out of three without conceding to begin his tenure after predecessor Joachim Low. Focus now turns to the visit of Romania, who have also not conceded in their last three matches.

"Romania are a team that wants to play football," Flick said. "They have played the last three games without letting a goal in.  "We have to be very intense and put our opponents under pressure. All our players are fit and healthy and we are happy. We have a couple of players for each position, so we are spoiled for choice. We have enormous quality in this squad. The atmosphere is good, with the young players fitting in well, and we have trained superbly."

Flick also confirmed at Thursday's pre-match news conference that Antonio Rudiger and Niklas Sule will start in defence against Romania.