Germany stars Antonio Rudiger and Niclas Fullkrug are involved in a heated altercation in training just days before the start of Euro 2024 with Real Madrid defender repeatedly pulling the Borussia Dortmund striker down

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Germany stars Antonio Rudiger and Niclas Fullkrug were involved in a heated altercation in training just days before the hosts are due to get Euro 2024 underway.

Rudiger had repeatedly pulled the striker down as defender closely marked him during a crossing drill in training.

Fullkrug stayed on the ground following one strong challenge and reportedly started swearing at Rudiger.

The forward then got up and went towards Rudiger, with the two players pushing each other.

Assistant coach Sandro Wagner then had to intervene and calm the situation down.

Germany stars Niclas Fullkrug (L) and Antonio Rudiger (R) had an altercation in training

The players clashed in training just days before the hosts are due to get Euro 2024 underway

Rudiger was seen walking off the training pitch following the incident during the session

Fullkrug and Rudiger pushed each other during training as Germany prepared for Euro 2024

Fullkrug had told Mads Buttgereit, a member of the coaching staff, to 'just blow the whistle'.

Rudiger was later seen sarcastically applauding Fullkrug, who was calmed down by a member of the coaching staff.

The pair faced each other in the Champions League final earlier this month, with Rudiger's Real Madrid winning 2-0 against Fullkrug's Dortmund at Wembley. 

Fullkrug had been complimentary of Rudiger earlier in the day, describing him and fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah as 'simply world class' in a press conference.

As reported by the German Football Federation, he said: 'We’re very strong with them at the back. 

'They play with energy and strength and are simply world class. They’re very difficult to get past. 

'It feels really good to have them both on the pitch. 

Fullkrug had told Mads Buttgereit, a member of the coaching staff, to 'just blow the whistle'

Rudiger later sarcastically applauded Fullkrug, who was still angry over the incident

The pair faced off in the Champions League final as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund

Fullkrug had previously praised Rudiger in a press conference, describing him as 'world class'

The clash will be a concern to boss Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the start of Euro 2024

'It’s great that we have so much depth in defence. It gives us a formidable backline.'

Hosts Germany will get Euro 2024 underway on Friday night when they take on Scotland.

Julian Nagelsmann's side will later face Hungary and Switzerland as they look to make it through the group stages.