Meet Germany's 23-man squad for Euro 2016

His place was never in question. Germany's No. 1 between the sticks is the first name on Jogi Löw's teamsheet. He's one of the world's top goalkeepers, and his sweeper-like defensive abilities make him a key part of the German back line.

The Barcelona keeper only plays in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions. Until he establishes himself as the undisputed No. 1 at the Catalan club, he will have a hard time challenging for Neuer's place in the German team. Löw has long had high hopes for the 24-year-old. Will he be able to make the No. 2 spot his own?

Or will Leverkusen's Bernd Leno stand in his way? Leno and ter Stegen have a well-known, long-standing rivalry that dates back to their time with Germany's youth teams. Unlike his Barcelona counterpart, Leno is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at his club - one of the best in the Bundesliga.

Boateng (L) and Hummels form the heart of Germany's central defense. They were crucial components of Germany's World Cup-winning side in 2014. Big things are expected of them this summer in France. Their pairing will be a preview of next season's Bayern Munich back line. After starring for Borussia Dortmund, Hummels opted to join the Bavarian giants and team up with Boateng at the club level.

Outstanding fullbacks are a rare commodity in German and European football, which made the international retirement of Philipp Lahm tough for German fans to take. Germany are entering a major international tournament without their former captain for the first time in 14 years. On the left, Cologne's Jonas Hector, on the right, Schalke's Benedikt Höwedes, a starter at the 2014 World Cup.

You can never have enough fullbacks. Emre Can can play across the entire back line but is often employed most succesfully at club side Liverpool in defensive midfield. Versatility is particularly valuable at international tournaments and Can provides plenty of it.

Roma's Antonio Rüdiger (R) can play as a fullback or in central defense. Fellow defender Shkodran Mustafi of Valencia is much more comfortable in the middle, but has played on the outside as well. Mustafi was initially left off Löw's 2014 World Cup squad, but following Marco Reus' injury ended up becoming an important member of the winning side.

They are the heartbeat of Germany's midfield. Khedira has found new life this season at Juventus, while Toni Kroos is coming off a Champions League-winning season with Real Madrid. They formed partnership that brought the Germans World Cup glory, and are in just the right kind of form to help Germany continue their winning ways in France.

Poldi and Schweini burst onto the national team scene at Euro 2004, and have been at every major tournament since. It remains to be seen how much they will play in France. Podolski has been a peripheral figure in recent years, while Schweinsteiger is recovering from an injury. It is clear, however, that Löw sees them as vital members of the squad as a whole.

Former Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal famously once said that "Müller always plays." That motto also holds true for the national team. A player as versatile and effective as Müller is certainly first choice.

Götze has struggled to find his feet at Bayern Munich, but he remains a key figure in the national team. A strong tournament by the man who scored Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning goal could help generate interest from teams from abroad - and rejuvenate his club career.

He has been criticised for his inconsistent play at Arsenal, but Mesut Özil is no doubt one of the most important - and talented - players on the German team. His playmaking ability is vital to the national side, and could help determine Germany's success in France.

After a strong season in Turkey with Besiktas, "Super Mario" is back. The striker will be playing his first tournament for Germany since Euro 2012.

Leroy Sane has continued to improve at Schalke, and Löw has taken notice. The 20-year-old attacker is a new face on the national team, but Euro 2016 could be his chance to show non-Bundesliga fans just how good he has become.

Kimmich became a favorite of Pep Guardiola's in his debut season at Bayern this year. He is capable of playing in midfield or defense, but Löw is more likely to use him in the former.

Thomas Tuchel made the young Weigl a crucial part of his central midfield at Borussia Dortmund this season. After starring in Germany's second tier with 1860 Munich, Weigl showed he was more than capable of playing at the highest level. While his club teammates Matthias Ginter, Marcel Schmelzer and Erik Durm were overlooked, Weigl has been slotted straight into the Euro 2016 squad.

Despite an up-and-down season this year with Wolfsburg, Draxler is in the squad. His attacking ability and role in the 2014 World Cup have surely earned him Löw's trust.

Schürrle also struggled at times this season with Wolfsburg, but he is a consistent performer with the national team. He finished the Bundesliga season well. Can he carry that form into the Euros?

"I believe that next to sporting ability, personality is important and players being able to contribute off the pitch." That's what Jogi Löw had to say about his squad. Whether will see in France whether his decisions will pay off.