Marseille (AFP) – Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will make his first start of Euro 2016 in Thursday’s semi-final against France, coach Joachim Loew has confirmed.

The Manchester United star suffered a knee strain in Saturday’s quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Italy, but has recovered in time to face France in Marseille.

“In a game like this, his experience is very valuable and, in any case, he will start,” said Loew on Wednesday.