Mario Gomez is confident Germany are capable of winning Euro 2012 and hopes to play a leading role at the tournament.

Germany last tasted success at Euro 1996 but, after finishing runners up four years ago and then impressing with a young side at the 2010 World Cup, some consider them favourites for the trophy this summer.

"Winning the title is our big aim,” Gomez said. “We definitely have the opportunity to win it as we have a great team, but in such a big tournament like the Euros you can never really plan anything, because many different factors come into play. And of course you need a little bit of luck to win the title.”

If Germany are to succeed, they will need to progress from a ‘group of death’ containing World Cup finalists Netherlands plus Portugal and Denmark.

"We got an extremely tough group, in which it is a challenge to make it to the next round. Portugal has a very strong team and sometimes Cristiano Ronaldo can decide the outcome of the match through one great moment.

“Denmark is a very dangerous opponent, especially because every other team in this group expects to get three points out of the match against Denmark. Netherlands is also a great and strong team, with lots of great individual players that can be very dangerous."

Bayern Munich striker Gomez netted 41 goals for his club this season and, with Miroslav Klose struggling with injury, he looks set to lead his country’s attack in Poland and Ukraine.

"In contrast to earlier tournaments, where I was often a peripheral player, this year it is my personal goal to fulfil an important role within the team, and to contribute to the team’s success,” he said.