Podolski expects to start for Germany in Euro 2012 semifinal

The Arsenal forward was left out of die Mannschaft's starting XI for the 4-2 last-eight victory over Greece on Friday, but feels he should be recalled in their next match

Lukas Podolski has revealed that he does not envisage being left out of the Germany's starting lineup for next week's Euro 2012 semifinal.

The Arsenal forward, along with Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller, was dropped to the bench for the 4-2 win over Greece, with Andre Schurrle, Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose coming into the team.

Despite admitting that he was disappointed by Joachim Low’s decision, the ex-Koln man is nonetheless expecting to be reinstated for the side’s next match.

“I am disappointed because I wanted to play, but you have to take it; it’s part of the sport,” he told Goal.com.

“There are more important things to play for, and I cannot worry about having to sit on the bench once. I assume that I will play in the semifinals again.”

Germany will face the winner of Sunday’s clash between Italy and England in the last four of the tournament.