Germany's Joachim Loew said he would stay on to lead the World Cup winners to their title defence in Russia in 2018 despite an initial hesitation on whether to continue after a disappointing semi-final defeat to France last week at the Euro 2016.

Bastian Schweinsteiger says he would recover from a knee injury in time to captain Germany at the European Championship, even though it remained unclear when he would return to the pitch.

Bayern Munich's Mario Goetze could benefit from a potential move, with the talented attacking midfielder in need of a coach who trusts him, Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Friday.

Uncapped midfielders Joshua Kimmich and Julian Brandt are included in Germany's provisional 27-man squad for next month's European championships in France.