Rüdiger replaces injured Kirchhoff for Germany

VfB Stuttgart defender Antonio Rüdiger has been added to Germany's UEFA European Under-21 Championship squad after 1. FSV Mainz 05's Jan Kirchhoff was ruled out.

Centre-back Kirchhoff, who will join FC Bayern München this summer, underwent groin surgery a fortnight ago and has not recovered in time. It means a chance for Stuttgart's Rüdiger and the 20-year old will link up with Rainer Adrion's party after the German Cup final against Bayern on 1 June.

"Having already lost Tolgay Arslan and Sebastian Jung to injury, Jan is another important player we will miss in Israel," said Adrion, whose side will face the Netherlands, Spain and Russia in Group B. "In Antonio Rüdiger we do have an adequate replacement, but as vice-captain Jan has been a cornerstone of our team for the past two years."