Bayern defender gets job in Ballack's absence

Philipp Lahm has been named Germany captain for the World Cup after Michael Ballack was ruled out through injury.

Manager Joachim Low suffered a major blow earlier this month when it was confirmed that regular skipper Ballack would not be able to go to South Africa due to an ankle problem he sustained in the FA Cup final.

Low has now decided to hand the armband to Bayern Munich defender Lahm, an experienced campaigner with 64 international caps to his name.

Lahm is one of Germany's top players and Low has no doubts that he will thrive on the added responsibility.

"Lahm has played in his position with great class and will take over the role of captain," Low told reporters at Germany's Italian training camp.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has also been confirmed as vice-captain, but along with Lahm, goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt and midfielder Thomas Muller he will not feature in the friendly against Hungary in Budapest on Saturday.

The quartet will be rested after starting for Bayern in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Inter Milan.

Miroslav Klose, who came on as a substitute against Inter, will skipper Germany in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match.

Germany have been drawn to face Australia, Ghana and Serbia in Group D of the World Cup.

Sky