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Lehmann could play on

Image: Lehmann: International re-think

German shot-stopper Jens Lehmann could prolong his international career as he dreams of World Cup glory.

Lehmann believes Germany could win World Cup

Shot-stopper Jens Lehman could prolong his international career because he believes Germany can win the World Cup. The Arsenal goalkeeper, now 37, had been expected to retire from international football after next summer's European championships. But the Germans' rich vein of form - and the chance of lifting the ultimate football prize - is forcing Lehmann into a re-think. "I'm thinking about it because I'm convinced that we will be challenging to win the World Cup in 2010," Lehmann told Suddeutsche Zeitung. "We will be in the running for the European Championship title in 2008 and then the World Cup. We will be even better in 2010. If I stay free of injury then I can play in the 2010 World Cup."

Option

Lehmann's belief in Germany's capabilities was re-inforced by their stunning victory over England at Wembley last month. "I really thought that this team could really be in the running to win the World Cup and perhaps you'd like to be part of it," he added. "Even if I only make the squad as number three goalkeeper and am really only there to gee up the others. That would also be an option for me."