Boateng warns of German strength

Defender Jerome Boateng has warned Germany are “a tournament team” and cannot be discounted as potential World Cup winners.

The 21-year-old, who will officially complete his move from Hamburg to Manchester City on July 1, is relishing the challenge awaiting him in South Africa and believes his side can lift the trophy.

“I’m very excited, it’s a great adventure for me and the Germany team,” he told City’s website, mcfc.co.uk. “We want to play a good tournament.

“England are good, Brazil and Spain are good teams, but I hope that we win the World Cup. We are a good team and Germany are always a tournament team.”

In a strange quirk of fate, Boateng could play against half-brother Kevin-Prince in Group D on June 23 after the Portsmouth midfielder opted to represent Ghana, the nation of the brothers’ father Prince.

Jerome is looking forward to the meeting, and said: “We played before in Berlin against each other. I am happy about the game.”

Boateng’s African heritage means he is excited about the continent hosting its first World Cup, and he said: “It’s very important, I hope the tournament is a great thing for the world.

“Everyone will look to Africa and I hope they can show to the world how beautiful Africa is and that the stadiums and people are nice.”