Germany’s duty to make Euro 2016 semis- Freund

Former German international Steffen Freund say’s it’s the duty of the German team to reach the semi-final at this year’s UEFA Euro 2016 tournament in France.

Germany will be under-pressure to impress, having made it to the 2012 Euro semi-finals and winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Freund expressed that the quality of Germany’s squad is enough to become ‘European champions’.

“Basically it’s the duty for the German team to reach the semi-final. The quality of the squad is definitely enough to become European champions.

“When (Mario) Goetze played against Hungary, I knew he would be a starter at the Euros. He’ll play because he’s in form and will have a great tournament. It will have an affect at his club as well. He will assert himself at Bayern Munich or get a big offer.

“So, then he’ll be ready to decide whether to leave the club. Football-wise he is on a good journey and I think he will play a big role at Bayern Munich.”

Hosts France and Germany have both been selected as two of the favourites to win.

Retired German footballer Stefan Kuntz says midfielder Toni Kroos will play a big part in the teams success.

“Toni Kroos has made huge strides, not just on the field. The years at Real Madrid have made him more mature. Because of that, his acceptance within the team is totally different. You see when it’s getting tough; everybody is searching for Toni on the field.

“He is the one who is getting the ball in tough situations when others are hanging their heads.”