German national team manager Joachim Löw has called up Mario Götze and Ilkay Gündogan 354 days after they last played for the national side. They belong to a 25 man squad for the final international fixtures of 2017 in London against England and in Cologne against France.

"I am pleased for him", said BVB-Trainer Peter Bosz on finding out about Götze's call-up. "It was hard for him not to train for five months and not to be able to play. Mario has worked hard and has earned this. You can see that he is getting better and better."

Joachim Löw said of the returnees: "Mario Götze and Ilkay Gündogan have found consistency again after their lay-offs due to injury. They are playing important roles once again for their clubs and have found their rhythm. They have both already proven that they are valuable additions to any team when they are fit. We are happy that they are back with us." (br/dfb)