Newcastle's Nick Woltemade struck twice as Germany moved closer to World Cup qualification with a hard-fought 2-0 win in Luxembourg.

Woltemade, who has made strong impression at St James' Park since his move from Stuttgart in August, continued his fine form with a second-half double in Luxembourg City.

That proved enough to secure victory and ensure Julian Nagelsmann's side remained above second-placed Slovakia at the top of Group A.

They will now hope to complete the job and book their place at the 2026 tournament in North America when they host their nearest challengers on Monday.

Yet, with Slovakia also victorious against Northern Ireland, the two sides remain level on points and a slip-up in Leipzig would force them to settle for a play-off spot.

Germany thrashed Luxembourg 4-0 when the sides met last month but were forced to dig deeper this time.

Florian Wirtz, whose form since his summer move to Liverpool has been the focus of much scrutiny, had an early chance when he forced a save from Anthony Moris.

The Luxembourg goalkeeper also dealt with a header from Waldemar Anton, but Danel Sinani had a couple of opportunities for the hosts.

Germany stepped up the pressure and Serge Gnabry had a shot blocked and then missed the target before Wirtz sent another effort over the bar and was denied for a second time by Moris.

Luxembourg threatened again early in the second half as Christopher Martins shot at Oliver Baumann, but the Germans' breakthrough finally came in the 49th minute.

Leroy Sané took a crossfield ball from deep in his stride and charged down the right before cutting inside. The Galatasaray winger then rolled an inviting pass into the box for Woltemade to slide in and thump into the bottom corner.

Luxembourg almost produced an instant response as Aiman Dardari struck a post, but Germany tightened their grip on the game as Woltemade grabbed a superb second after 69 minutes.

Sane was again involved, finding space on the right edge of the area and passing inside to Ridle Baku.

Baku turned neatly on the 18-yard line and played in Woltemade, who delicately clipped the ball over a diving Moris from six yards.

Aleksandar Pavlovic and Wirtz had shots blocked as Germany chased a third before substitutes Felix Nmecha and Jamie Leweling gave Moris further work to do.