Loew backs Schweinsteiger after shaky United start

The world champions host Poland in Frankfurt with Adam Nawalka's visitors top of Group D by a point from Loew's Germany, who then face third-placed Scotland in Glasgow on Monday, in two important qualifiers for Schweinsteiger's side.

A historic 2-0 defeat to Poland in Warsaw last October -- the Germans' first loss to their neighbours -- highlighted the country's post-Brazil hangover as they struggle to rediscover the form that carried them to the 2014 World Cup title.

Schweinsteiger will lead Germany for the first time since his transfer from Bayern Munich to United in July.

Loew has described the 31-year-old as "world-class" despite criticism of his fitness in United's 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Sunday, his first full appearance for his Premier League club.

"When push comes to shove, Bastian is still a world-class player," said Germany's head coach.

"He is adaptable and his physical robustness is one of his greatest strengths.

"When he's physically fit, you know what he brings to the team: he's a strategist, he leads the team and he's equipped with an unbelievable will to fight and win."

After 14 years in Munich, eight Bundesliga and seven German Cup titles, plus the 2013 treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and domestic cup wins, Schweinsteiger was ripe for a move away from Bayern to another big club, says Loew.

"I believe the change is both good and important for him," said Loew.

"He has the character to adapt and experience the appeal of the Premier League and all that comes with it."

Arsenal's Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil, who has also been criticised for a lack of form by the British media in the past, came to the defence of his national team captain.

"Basti showed the entire world what kind of a leader he is at the World Cup," said the 26-year-old Ozil.

"The hard interim conclusions of the English press are not fair. "He certainly needs some more time to adapt to the Premier League."