Howedes called up for Germany qualifiers
Reuters - Thursday 26 May 2011, 15:50
BERLIN - Schalke 04 defender Benedikt
Howedes has been called up for Germany's Euro 2012 qualifiers
and friendly game against Uruguay, coach Joachim Low announced
on Thursday.
The 23-year-old was brought in to plug the gap left by
holding midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sven Bender, who
were ruled out with injuries.
"I never expected to get called up. It was a real surprise
and I immediately cancelled my holidays," said Howedes.
Germany, who top Group A with a maximum 15 points, play
Austria in Vienna on June 3 before travelling to face Azerbaijan
on June 7. They will meet Uruguay in a friendly on Sunday.
"Benedikt is one of those young players we have been
monitoring for a long time. He is versatile in the defence and
that is why we called him up at short notice," said Low in a
statement.