Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm believes Spain are still the team to beat despite Joachim Low's side lifting the World Cup this summer.

Vicente del Bosque's Spain won three consecutive major tournaments in a row between 2008 and 2012, including the 2010 World Cup.

Germany dethroned Spain this summer but Lahm who retired from international football following the World Cup glory, insists despite their group stage exit, Spain remain the top side in the world.

 

 

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Work to do: Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm believes Spain are still the team to beat in world football

 

 

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Champions: The Bayern Munich defender guided Germany to the World Cup in Brazil this summer

'I don't think that people can already compare us with Spain. They won three titles in a row,' Lahm told Sport Bild.

'Only when Germany can achieve something similar can we say that Germany are the new benchmark.

'For me, Spain remain the team to beat at the moment and also at Euro 2016.'

 

 

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Retired: Since winning the World Cup Lahm has retired from international football to focus on Bayern Munich

 

 

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New recruit: Pepe Reina signed for Bayern Munich for £2million from Liverpool this summer 

 

 

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Stuck in: Franck Ribery was injured for the World Cup and has retired from international football with France

 

 

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Focused: Striker Claudio Pizarro (centre) has yet to feature for the Bundesliga champions this season 

 

 

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Still top? Lahm claims 2010 World Champions Spain are still the team to beat and will be a threat at Euro 2016

 The Bayern Munich defender reflected on Germany's performances over the past decade and claimed the catalyst was their dismal Euro 2004 campaign.

'Germany have gone through a lot to get here. I still remember the group-stage elimination at Euro 2004, which was a huge disappointment.

'We learned a lot, though, and developed as a team in the following years. There was the semi-final at the 2006 World Cup, the final at Euro 2008 and semi-finals at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

 

 

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New leader: Bastian Schweinsteiger lifts the World Cup and has replaced Philipp Lahm as Germany captain

'The road to the World Cup title was a long one.'

Lahm will now concentrate on success with Bayern Munich who have had a mixed start to the new season.

The reigning Bundesliga champions lost the German Super Cup 2-0 to rivals Borussia Dortmund and drew 1-1 at Schalke on Saturday. 

 

 

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Summer deal: Xabi Alonso has joined Lahm at Bayern Munich from Real Madrid, wanting a new challenge