Neuer and Germany itching to get going

Manuel Neuer played a vital part in Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph, a year after lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley. The next big title in his sights is the UEFA European Championship, preferably the 2016 edition.

"We are excited that the tournament is about to begin," said the Bayern München No1. "Obviously, preparation and training is needed, but the best thing is when the matches start. The mood within the team is very good and we can hardly wait to take to the pitch."

A senior figure in Joachim Löw's group with 65 caps to his name, Neuer is one of the Mannschaft's leaders, a role he gladly accepts. "As a goalkeeper, I talk a lot to my fellow players on and off the pitch," he explained. "For a few years now I have seen myself as a leader and I particularly try to help the young players who come into the squad."

Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger in training©Getty Images

As Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany's captain since the World Cup, is unlikely to be fit to start on Sunday, Neuer is a candidate to deputise as skipper against Ukraine in Lille. "The coach has not spoken about this, neither to me personally nor in front of the team. It doesn't really matter to us who wears the armband if Bastian doesn't start."

With Mats Hummels ruled out of the Group C opener and his designated replacement Antonio Rüdiger tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in training earlier this week, Germany's back line has been much talked about in recent days. "Given Rüdiger's injury, it's good to have versatile defenders and Benedikt Höwedes fits right into that category," said Neuer.

Höwedes or Shkodran Mustafi could operate at centre-back alongside Jérôme Boateng. Coach Löw, however, made it clear yesterday that no decision on the matter has been taken. "Ultimately, that's up to the coach. He does not turn to us players for advice when it comes to that," added Neuer.

With just a couple of days to go until Germany's tournament kicks off, you can sense that the players are longing for the action to commence. "I like it here," said the former Schalke man. "I have a nice terrace with a view over the lake [Geneva] and hope that we will all have pleasant dreams – dreams of Paris."