Schlotterbeck in line for first Euros start: "You always try to be ready"

After starting Germany's three group stage games on the bench, Nico Schlotterbeck looks set to finally get a start in Saturday's round of 16 clash with Denmark as a replacement for the suspended Jonathan Tah.

At a press conference on Thursday, the Borussia Dortmund centre-back was asked about his role in the team so far at the tournament.

"You don't have the same tension as when you play. Of course, you always try to be ready - in case something happens. I haven't experienced that at my club for a long time, I've played a lot of games there," said Schlotterbeck, who made his first Euros appearance off the bench in last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

"You try to be eager to play, to wait. It's always one of those things with us central defenders: you don't really have a chance to come on unless something happens in that position. You have to be there when it counts. I tried to do that against Switzerland and it worked out pretty well.

Schlotterbeck is expected to play alongside Antonio Rüdiger against Denmark, if the latter is fit to play after struggling with a thigh problem this week.

"We have played together a few times for Germany. I like having a right-footed center back next to a left-footed one. He trained individually yesterday, so I hope he'll be fit for Saturday," said Schlotterbeck.