Goretzka ready to shine for Germany

Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka believes any lingering issues are behind him as Joachim Low's men prepare for their World Cup defence.

Goretzka will join Bayern Munich from Schalke for next season after his dominant midfield performances established him one of the Bundesliga's rising stars.

The 23-year-old suffered a stop-start spell in the middle of the 2017-18 campaign, but has no worries over his body coping with the demands in Russia.

"I feel like I'm in good shape," he said at Germany's pre-tournament training base in Eppan, northern Italy.

"It's been intense over the first few days at the training camp, but I'm at a good level and I'm ready for the upcoming challenges.

"My previous knee injury isn't giving me any issues anymore."

The teenage Goretzka was not involved when Low's side marched to glory in Brazil four years ago, but he was one of the standouts of Germany's next generation as an experimental team lifted the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

He scored three times in four appearances, including an early brace in the 4-1 semi-final win over Mexico, who are Germany's opening Group F opponent at the World Cup.

"There are a lot of young players in this squad," added Goretzka. "I'm one of them at 23 years old, but I've already had the chance to gain a lot of experience in my career.

"I want to give my all in every training session."