Löw sets Germany's sights on France

Despite rumours in the past week suggesting that he might be preparing for a new challenge, FIFA World Cup-winning Germany coach Joachim Löw will lead his side to UEFA EURO 2016.

In an interview published on the German Football Association (DFB) website, the 54-year-old confirmed that he was eager to work out his contract. "The 2014 World Cup was a highlight for everyone, but it was not the end of the story," said Löw, whose future had been in doubt.

There is no more ambiguity now. "Right now, I cannot imagine anything more beautiful than continuing to work with this team and leading them to the European Championship in France – to further develop the team and individual players," Löw declared. "In Brazil, we celebrated a gigantic success, but there are other goals that we want to reach."

The former VfB Stuttgart boss said stepping down had never been an option. "I never considered that for a second. I just stuck to what we had agreed upon before the World Cup – that we would sit down afterwards to analyse the tournament, as we have done for every other tournament. I did not extend my contract with DFB until 2016 to walk out early."

With Löw's assistant Hansi Flick taking over as DFB sporting director, there is a less significant vacancy on the Germany coaching staff. It is expected to be filled before they play Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, Poland, Georgia and newcomers Gibraltar in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying, starting in September.