Changes for Spain

Germany head coach Joachim Löw has hinted at several changes to the starting team for the friendly against Spain in Vigo.

The world champions have been on a patchy vein of form since their triumph in Brazil in July, losing to Argentina and Poland and drawing with the Republic of Ireland. Wins against Scotland and Gibraltar haven't been enough to shrug off the critics who have been quick to round on certain players.

The Germans sit behind Poland in their Euro 2016 qualification group and won't play another competitive international fixture until March when they face Georgia.

On Tuesday, Germany take on Spain - a repeat of the World Cup semi-final in South Africa and of the 2008 European Championship final. But with nothing at stake, the Germany boss is expected to ring the changes, some of which, are forced upon following international retirements and recent injuries.

Hoffenheim forward Kevin Volland and Stuttgart's Antonio Rüdiger are in the frame to be handed a starting berth, according to the Germany coach. Volland has been capped twice and was named in the first 30-man squad ahead of the World Cup, while centre-back Rüdiger has picked up four international caps.

Meanwhile, Löw has still to decide on a replacement for the injured Manuel Neuer.

"Of course, I'm really looking forward to the game," he said at the pre-match media conference. "We're playing against a very good and technically-strong team. For us and for the individual players, this game is a very good test. But it is a pity for us that some key players are missing."

The Germany boss won't be able to call upon his regular first-choice keeper who dropped out after the Gibraltar win with a knee injury. Jerome Boateng has a calf problem and was replaced in the squad by Wolfsburg's 22-year-old, and previously uncapped, defender Robin Knoche.

Gladbach's Christoph Kramer, Dortmund pair Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, Andre Schürrle and Bastian Schweinsteiger are also missing.

"I hadn't expected it to be so extreme," said Löw when asked about Germany's 'decline' since winning the World Cup in July. "There are problems that we have to deal with in everyday life. We will find our way back to the top in the next year, I'm pretty sure of that.

"I can say now, that whatever the outcome, that it has been a sensational year. Somehow we must handle this difficult situation."

rd (DPA, SID)