Euro security fears at the back of German minds

Defender Jonas Hector admits security concerns are a distraction for Germany's opening Euro 2016 match against Ukraine on Sunday, while Manuel Neuer will have family there -- like a normal game.

Germany defender Jerome Boateng caused a stir on Wednesday by admitting his wife and five-year-old twins will not be in France to watch him play in the European Championship finals because of terror fears.

Centre-back Boateng was in the German team playing at the Stade de France in Paris on November 13 last year when a series of jihadist attacks across the French capital left 130 dead.

Suicide bombers had tried to get into the stadium.

Next to him in the Germany defence that night was left-back Hector, who says security will be put at the back of the players' minds against Ukraine in Lille in Sunday's Group C game.

"It's at the back of your mind, of course, but primarily it comes down to football and enjoyment of the game," said Cologne's Hector, who has recently been courted by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, in Thursday's press conference.

Hector, who is set to start against Ukraine, echoed the comments of German Football Association chief Reinhard Grindel, who said everyone must decide for themselves.

"It's up to the individual whether they come to the stadium or not, anyone who does will clearly really want to be there," said Hector.

"I'm focused more on the match."

Just like any other big game, goalkeeper Neuer, set to stand in as captain while Bastian Schweinsteiger recovers from a knee injury, will have friends and family in Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy, which holds 50,000.

"There will be people from my circle there," said Neuer.

"For club games, you always have relatives at matches. I don't have a problem with ringing people before a game and exchanging "all the best" wishes."

Germany head coach Joachim Loew has described the mood in their Evian camp as "relaxed".

But his squad will make their first return to the Stade de France since the November attacks -- when they spent the night in the ground after suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the stadium -- on June 16 when they face Poland in their second group game.

A few days after the November attacks, a friendly between Germany and the Netherlands in Hanover was scrapped at the last minute over a terror threat.