I’m too sexy for my shirt

The German Football Federation has asked Lena Gercke, model fiancee of midfield star Sami Khedira, to tone down a dress sense seen as a little risque at matches.

Gercke was snapped in Ukraine last week wearing a skimpy pair of shorts on arrival at the airport and the Federation says other German wives and girlfriends have taken umbrage, according to Bunte magazine.

The magazine reported some other WAGS felt overshadowed and the issue should be nipped in the bud.

Podolski on song

Lukas Podolski’s Germany are on song at the Euros. And even if the new Arsenal star has seen the attacking limelight largely stolen by Mario Gomez the former Cologne man is proving not slow in blowing his own trumpet.

The striker has released a record in time for a hoped-for final entitled Halleluja with the help from Brings, a Cologne-based band.

In what could be construed as Germany’s answer to the hardly trendy any more Bay City Rollers, Podolski croons in a barely less sartorial cutting edge white t-shirt and tartan tie.

Tinkling the ivories

Portugal are taking a leaf out of the book of former Brazil manager Mario Zagallo as they deploy what some might call the “water carriers” of the team in Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles.

The pair may not be stars shining as brightly as Ronaldo but nevertheless have helped to keep the heart of Paulo Bento’s side ticking over. Bento was himself a tough defensive midfielder so it is to be expected he would have time for what in Portugal - and Brazil - they call those who “carry the piano.”

Only when they have set the stage can the likes of Ronaldo and Nani come on and play their overtures.