Der Kaiser told DFB - Deutscher Fußball-Bund e.V. - *Startseite that the German national side has now eclipsed the likes of Italy, France and England to become Europe's best...
Franz 'Kaiser' Beckenbauer believes that the Nationalelf is currently the best in Europe, with Germans now outweighing World Champions Italy, runners-up France, and more.
"Germany are both the best and the most consistent team in Europe at the moment," he told the German FA's website at dfb.de.
"They've maintained and even improved on their level of play since last year's World Cup," he added, reflecting on the home team's semi-final showing in the tournament that he helped bring to Germany.
The former West Germany and Bayern Munich coach continued, "Other top teams like Italy, France and England have begun to slacken a bit - some are even having trouble qualifying."
Joachim Löw's men, meanwhile, have no such issues, having secured their appearance in Austria-Switzerland with a 0-0 draw in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
The new coach, who took over from Juergen Klinsmann last summer, has won 12 of his 15 games in charge of the Nationalelf.
Der Kaiser, the only man to win World Cups as both team captain and later as coach, sees no reason why this can't continue in next summer's Euro 2008 under the young manager.
"The team has taken a giant step forward and now look like championship material," he smiled.
"It would be great for them if Löw could stay longer. At the moment, he and his assistants are the best at their system."
Germany take on the Czech Republic in Munich on Wednesday in a qualifier that, while meaningless for the home team, could determine the fate of the rest of the qualification hopefuls in Group D.
Goal.com - Germany - Beckenbauer: Germany Are Europe's Finest Team