Veterans return for Germany

Maren Meinert and Steffi Jones have been named in Germany coach Tina Theune-Meyer's 20-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Previously retired
Meinert and Jones, who had previously retired from international football, are recalled for Germany's Group C matches against Canada, Japan and Argentina. There was bad news for Inka Grings, though, as she missed out.

'Massive players'
Theune-Meyer said: "In Maren Meinert and Steffi Jones we are welcoming back two massive players from the spine of the [UEFA ]European [Women's] Championship-winning team of 2001. Their experience and class can only benefit the team for the challenges which lie ahead."

'Strong team'
"I believe we have assembled a strong team with alternatives on the bench," the coach continued. "Now it is just a question of fine-tuning over the coming days and weeks."

Wiegman milestone
Germany's most capped women's player, Bettina Wiegmann, retains her place in the squad and is set to play in her fourth World Cup. She said: "We have got a cohesive and balanced team with a good spirit and no cliques. I think we will have a big part to play in the World Cup."

Germany squad
Rottenberg, Angerer, Fuss, Gottschlich, Künzer, Hingst, Minnert, Stegemann, Bresonik, Garefrekes, Jones, Lingor, Odebrecht, Smisek, Wiegmann, Wunderlich, Pohlers, Müller, Prinz, Meinert