Joachim Löw talks up Germany's EURO chances

How have Germany developed since their FIFA World Cup win and the international retirements of Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker?

Those are three players we have certainly missed because they led the team and influenced it positively. The three of them had a lot of experience and the team responded to that.

There has been a radical change in the hierarchy. Other players now have tournament experience, like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels, Jérôme Boateng and of course Bastian Schweinsteiger. They have taken over these roles.

Of course it was difficult, after the World Cup, to start again right after an experience like that. We had some difficulties and we know we have to step up at the EURO if we are to have a chance.

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Was qualifying more difficult than anticipated?

When other teams are up against the world champions, it's their match of the year or even decade. They fight for every ball and they try to do something sensational. The World Cup took its toll on us too, with players suffering more injuries. We had to fight to make it through qualifying.

We won some important matches, like at home to Poland or in Scotland. It was a bit tight and we're not yet in top condition, but I'm not worried about the team. They have a lot of qualities and I know we can take it up a notch.

What we lacked in qualifying was efficiency. Even in games we lost, we created a lot of chances but our finishing was poor.

Germany rarely played with a central striker in qualifying. Is that plan A or plan B?

It was the same at the World Cup and even before – we've tested various formations. Mario Gomez is strong again. In the past year he's regained his confidence and hasn't had any injuries.

But we always have options. We have players like Müller, Marco Reus, André Schürrle, Mesut Özil, Mario Götze that like to get forward, players who come in from wide positions. It can make it more difficult for opponents.

What are your thoughts on Group C, with Northern Ireland, Ukraine and Poland?

We know Poland well. Northern Ireland are a bit of a surprise, but they played well in qualification. We know their style: they're strong and good in the air.

With teams like Ukraine, they are always uncomfortable matches because their players are physically strong and for their size they're fast. They also know how to switch play quickly. We don't have an easy group.

Is there any extra motivation for you after the World Cup to win the EURO and complete the double?

It is a special motivation and challenge. We needed time after the World Cup, two to three months, until everybody got a sense of where we are. Setting a goal straight away isn't so easy.

But now we've focused on proving ourselves in this competition. At EURO 2012 we were knocked out in the semi-finals, at EURO 2008 we lost the final. A win would be nice for everybody.

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Are Germany one of the top contenders for this EURO?

Yes, but not the only one. There's France, hosts with top players like Paul Pogba; Spain, like before, are right up there. Italy and England have got better, and I wouldn't want to forget Belgium. There are several teams, and with tournaments like this, coming in as favourites means nothing.

In a tournament it's important to have form and to keep it, avoiding injuries. You have to be in top condition, which is difficult. Every tournament is difficult, but it is fun. We're looking forward to it.