Tasci opts for Germany

Stuttgart defender Serdar Tasci has opted to represent Germany rather than Turkey.

The 19-year-old stopper, who has broken into Stuttgart's first team this season, has unveiled plans to play for the country of his birth rather than that of his parents.

"Of course it was a difficult decision to make, but I was born in Germany and have grown up here, but still have very close ties to Turkey through my parents," Tasci explained.

"Germany is my footballing home. I've already played for several international youth teams and want to carry on along this path."

Tasci has made five Bundesliga appearances this term and is included in Germany's Under-21s to face England in the second leg of their European Championship play-off on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports 1.