Bastian Schweinsteiger favourite to succeed Philipp Lahm as captain
Bayern Munich player was already deputy and is favourite to take over when the Euro 16 qualifiers start later this year
German midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger is favourite to become the World Cup winners' captain after the surprise international retirement of Philipp Lahm.
Schweinsteiger became a symbol of Germany's charge to a fourth trophy, battling on through the final victory over Argentina despite taking an elbow in the face that left blood pouring from a cut.
"Will miss you on the team, my friend! Had a great time! Thank you Philipp," said a Twitter tribute from Schweinsteiger to his Bayern Munich teammate after Lahm's announcement.
I am going on the principle that Bastian Schweinsteiger will take over the captain's armband
Lahm is quitting international football at the age of 30 having played 113 times for his country.
Age is not on Schweinsteiger's (pictured) side. He will be 30 on August 1, has played 108 matches and has struggled with injuries over the past two years.
But he was already officially Lahm's deputy and his leadership qualities have been widely praised.
"You don't need to think for very long," said Lothar Matthaus, Germany's captain when they won the 1990 World Cup and who appeared a record 150 times for his country.