Germany director Völler: Ter Stegen needs games to make World Cup

Germany men's team director Rudi Völler has welcomed Marc-André ter Stegen's return to fitness but said the goalkeeper has to play matches in order to be considered for the World Cup squad.

Ter Stegen was Germany number one after the international retirement of Manuel Neuer but a series of injuries and an in-club spat with Barcelona have limited his opportunities.

He made his comeback after six months out in last week's Copa del Rey win over third-tier Guadalajara, but may have to move in January after being told he is no longer Barca's number one.

"Regardless of whether his future is in Barcelona or elsewhere, in the end he has to play. And then we will all be delighted for him if, after many years as a world-class goalkeeper behind Manuel Neuer, he gets the chance to be in goal at a World Cup," Völler told Kicker on Monday.

Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann has been in goal for Germany of late.

Völler also said he is impressed by the development of Germany striker Nick Woltemade, who moved to Newcastle United from VfB Stuttgart for big money in August and has seven goals in 14 games.

"Now nobody is talking about the €80 million ($94 million) transfer fee ... anymore. In the end it was almost a bargain. His quality is truly exceptional," Völler said.

The 1990 World Cup winner, the boss of coach Julian Nagelsmann, hinted that reaching the quarter-finals at June and July's World Cup in North America could be viewed as a success.

"It always depends on the how," Völler added.

He said France looked so strong they could field " two teams" while he also bigged up England.