Germany optimistic on Boateng fitness

Die Mannschaft are hopeful that the Bayern Munich centre-back will be passed fit for their last-16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday

Jerome Boateng could be available for Germany's second round Euro 2016 match against Slovakia, with assistant coach Marcus Sorg "optimistic" about the defender's fitness.

Boateng was substituted with a muscle injury during Germany's final group match, a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, but Sorg revealed that the Bayern Munich centre-back is improving.

Should Boateng be unavailable, Shkodran Mustafi could return to the Germany defence after scoring in their group opener against Ukraine, which Mats Hummels missed.