Schweini returning to fitness

Bastian Schweinsteiger looks set to hand Germany a Euro 2012 boost as his injury continues to improve.

Things not yet running smoothly, says Germany boss Joachim Low

Bastian Schweinsteiger looks set to hand Germany a Euro 2012 boost as his injury continues to improve. The 27-year-old missed Thursday's friendly win over Israel because of a calf problem which left him unable to train. But coach Joachim Low has raised hopes the Bayern Munich man could be fit for the start of the European Championship. "Schweinsteiger is now pain free again for the first time," he told Bild. "He can perhaps train again with the team on Monday or Tuesday."

Impetus

Germany have endured a worrying build-up to a tournament they are among the favourites to win. They followed up last weekend's shock 5-3 defeat to Switzerland with an unimpressive 2-0 victory over Israel in Leipzig. And Low admits his team must improve when the real business starts against Portugal on 9th June. Low told the German football association's official website: "It was a reasonable final test. It will give us some impetus. "Things are still not yet running completely smoothly, but to go into next week with a win does us good. In general we have to improve and take our chances. "The organisation was better, but there are still things to do."