Podolski fuming over 'mascot' jibe

Germany forward Lukas Podolski was left fuming on Wednesday after being dubbed the 'mascot' of national team in some quarters due to his dearth of recent appearances for the world champions.

Podolski, who turns 31 on Saturday, has made 127 appearance for Germany over the past decade, scoring 48 goals. This will be the fourth European championships for the veteran of three World Cups.

But he was last a first-choice starter for Germany four years ago at Euro 2012 and only played in two group stage matches when Joachim Loew's side won the 2014 World Cup.