BERLIN (AFP) - Germany's head coach Joachim Loew insisted on Sunday his side are not amongst the top favourites to be crowned European champions at Euro 2008 next June.

Germany became the first team to qualify for the 16-team tournament to be held in Austria and Switzerland from June 7-29.

But Loew has told Monday's edition of German sports magazine Kicker last year's World Cup finalists Italy and France are the teams tipped to contest the final in Vienna on June 29 next year.

"I do not see us as absolute favourites," Loew told Kicker.

"In the last ten years, France have risen to the top of world football, as have world champions Italy.

"I think Spain and Portugal will be strong and we should not under-estimate sides like Croatia and Poland."

Germany face Croatia, Poland and hosts Austria in Group B and are set to face Turkey, Portugal or the Czech Republic if they make the last eight.

With captain Michael Ballack plus fellow midfielders Torsten Frings and Bernd Schneider expected to be back in the German side injury, Loew will have his key generals back in action.

"The team has had a good year after the emotions of finishing third at the 2006 World Cup," said Loew.

"We have refined our game and showed plenty of consistency."

But Loew is aiming to raise the bar higher and improve his side.

"I want to push the standard higher in terms of team management on the pitch, the tactics we use and in the team's skill levels."