Germany call up core from Leverkusen

Germany have recalled Bayer Leverkusen striker Paolo Rink for the friendly next week against Croatia.

Leverkusen - in the German title hunt after a record breaking 9-1 win last Saturday against Ulm - have seen nine players called up by coach Erich Ribbeck.

Brazilian-born Rink joins team mate Stefan Beinlich in the squad as Germany prepare to defend their Euro 2000 title.

Lothar Matthaeus retains his place in the 20 man list after his recent move to the MLS and Marko Rehmer has been introduced again as the veteran's replacement.

The squad in full -

Goalkeepers - Kahn and Lehmann.

Defenders - Babbel, Linke, Matthaeus, Nowotny, Rehmer and Woerns

Midfielders - Ballack, Beinlich, Deisler, Jeremies, Scholl, Wosz and Ziege.

Strikers - Rink, Bierhoff, Bode, Kirsten and Neuville.