Germany’s final 23-man squad was confirmed by Joachim Loew. At least, it is the current final 23-man squad given those players who remain fit and healthy.

 

Hoffenheim defender Andreas Beck was the unlucky man to be dropped from the list that will fly out to South Africa after the initial squad was whittled down to 24 with injuries to a number of players. It was not a surprise for the 23 year-old but it was still disappointing. However, the speech he made following receiving the new to those guaranteed a plane ticket showed both dignity and maturity and he has been told to remain on standby for the World Cup should Germany’s injury list find any additional names on it.

One of those missing through injury, Michael Ballack, has been encouraged to retire from international football by Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness. The 33 year-old whose tournament was ended by a Kevin-Prince Boateng tackle during the FA Cup final has yet to make a decision in his German career but Hoeness has advised the player to call time on what has been a notable presence in the national team since his debut back in 1999.