Lahm replaces Ballack as Germany captain

Defender Philipp Lahm will take over from injury victim Michael Ballack as Germany captain for the World Cup in South Africa, head coach Joachim Loew confirmed on Friday.

Chelsea midfielder Ballack was ruled out of the tournament after injuring his ankle in the FA Cup final two weeks ago.

Bayern Munich’s Lahm, 26, will skipper the side in South Africa with 64 caps to his name having made his international debut in 2004 and has captained his club on several occasions last season.

Loew also confirmed Lahm’s Bayern team-mate midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger as vice-captain.

“They have both shown that they are able to assume this responsibility,” said Loew at Germany’s north Italian training camp.

“Philipp does very well the things which are required by a coach.

“He is someone who is not afraid to express his opinions.

“He is a player who puts a lot of thought into his actions.”

Loew revealed Schweinsteiger, Lahm, goalkeeper Hans-Joerg Butt and midfielder Thomas Mueller will all miss the friendly against Hungary in Budapest on Saturday.

The four Bayern Munich players will be rested and remain at Germany’s training camp in north Italy having played in last Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to Inter Milan.

Against Hungary, Germany will be led by striker Miroslav Klose in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match before their opening game in Group D against Australia on June 13.

Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will play in the Hungary friendly and will be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper in South Africa with Bremen’s Tim Wiese on the bench.

Loew said both Saturday’s match with Hungary and next Thursday’s final warm-up against Bosnia-Herzegovina will be the chance for players to show their form and to put into practice what has been worked on in training.

The Germany coach is also keen to see how Hamburg’s Marcel Jansen performs after a lengthy lay-off after an ankle injury.

“We want to see some things we have been working on in training implemented in the Hungary game,” said Loew.

“We will take this game very seriously.

“I also have the opportunity again to look at one or two things.

“For example, I can see how Marcell copes again, whether he is able to play to his best again and prove his match fitness.”