Starting place the goal for Hummels

Mats Hummels says he is determined to be a regular starter for Germany in next month’s European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

The young centre-back starred for Borussia Dortmund in their double-winning campaign, attracting praise from coaches and pundits alike.

And with only Philipp Lahm’s place assured in the German back line for Euro 2012, Hummels intends to build on his successful club campaign by securing a starting berth ahead of the likes of Per Mertesacker and Benedikt Howedes.

“It looks as though Holger Badstuber’s place is set,” the 23-year-old told DAPD news agency.

“And it seems Mertesacker and I will fight for the place next to him. That’s my impression.”

Hummels insisted that he is ready to accept any decision made by coach Joachim Loew, but conceded it would be hard for him to watch his team-mates from the bench.

“We know that there will eventually be a decision from the coach. And everyone will be have to live with it.

“Even though I am confident, the role of a backup is a rather difficult one. I’m being completely honest. If you sit on the bench and the others win, then you will not really feel like part of the winning team,” Hummels said.

Germany have been drawn alongside Portugal, Netherlands and Denmark in Group B.