Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was named captain of the national team yesterday, succeeding Bayern Munich team mate Philipp Lahm, who retired from international football following their World Cup victory in Brazil in July.
The 30-year-old Schweinsteiger, who has won 108 caps and scored 23 goals for Germany, will not lead the team in Wednesday’s friendly rematch of the final against Argentina due to injury.
The Bayern Munich midfielder, who is the most experienced player in the squad since the departure of Lahm, will also miss Sunday’s Euro 2016 World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
“Bastian has always taken on responsibility when he had to. I could always rely on him,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew, who said the combative midfielder would remain captain for at least two years.
“He is very well respected in the team and among the coaching staff. His immense experience is also important.