Germany still favourites – Ozil

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil insists world champions Germany must still be regarded as favourites to win Euro 2016 despite a number of changes to their squad.

The Germans, who are priced at 5.00 to win Euro 2016, blew away all competition at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as they claimed a fourth title and they will be hoping to add the European crown to their list of honours.

However, Die Mannschaft have seen the likes of Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose all retire following their exploits in South America. Joachim Low has also seen his squad ravaged by injuries, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mats Hummels struggling to be fit for the opening game against Ukraine on Sunday.

Germany qualified for the tournament in France at the top of their group but did suffer defeats to both Poland and the Republic of Ireland on their travels.

They have also suffered friendly defeats at the hands of France, England and Slovakia in recent months. Despite failing to build momentum ahead of the European Championship, Ozil believes Germany must still be treated as favourites and feels they have enough depth in the squad to deal with any injuries.

Ozil said: “I think we are favourites, or at least one of the favourites. That’s why we go there of course to win the cup. “After the World Cup we lost some important players, but we are still strong and have young players to compensate for that, who can help us be successful in France.”