Lehmann ready to put his life on the line against Turks

Veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said on Monday he was prepared to put his life on the line in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Turkey.

The 38-year-old – who should win his 60th cap on Wednesday in Basel, Switzerland – added that he would not make up his mind about his international future until later in the summer unlike his previous bitter rival Oliver Kahn, who hung up his gloves after the 2006 World Cup.

“I am ready to give everything against Turkey, even my life,” said the former Arsenal guardian, who will play for Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart next season after signing a one year contract.

Lehmann, who replaced Kahn as number one just prior to the 2006 World Cup finals where Germany finished third, said he would not make an impulsive decision over his international future.

“I am focussing on Wednesday's match. Afterwards if we get to Sunday's final, I don't believe that I am going to announce what I am going to do just after it,” said Lehmann, whose retention as number one by coach Joachim Loew for Euro was criticised because he had not played enough first team football for Arsenal last season.

“There is no pressure on me to do so.”

Should Lehmann announce his retirement, the number one spot would probably be between Hannover's Rene Adler or Bayer Leverkusen's Robert Enke, who are backing him up here.