Group E: All you need to know about - Sweden

There was an undoubted wave of positivity that hit Sweden as their record goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, announced he would cut his retirement short to return for this summer’s tournament, but in truth, there was plenty to be happy about before the 39-year-old’s short-lived return.

A last eight appearance at the World Cup in 2018 was undoubtedly a surprise, but Sweden have built on that hard work by bringing through some of the best young attacking talent in the game headlined by Juventus’ Dejan Kulusevski.

Sweden are an emerging force; whether Euro 2020 has come a tad early for them remains to be seen. 

Ahead of the Swedes' opening Group E fixture against Spain, here's Playmaker to guide you through the key talking points (one additional point being that the aforementioned Kulusevski, along with Spain captain Sergio Busquets will miss the clash after testing positive for Covid-19). 

©Getty / Nils Petter Nilsson

The Manager

Well respected in Sweden for his tactical discipline and calm demeanor, Janne Andersson is planning to build on the World Cup quarter final appearance, and a constantly improving squad may give him the chance to do it.

Andersson favours a classic, uncomplicated 4-4-2 formation and has a nice blend of youth and experience at his disposal. Although shorn of Zlatan, this 2021 vintage has some top class talent coming through in attack.

©Getty / Richard Heathcote

Key Player

While Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak has bags of ability and will likely have plenty of top clubs keeping their eye on his performances, the difference maker will be Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg.

Forsberg possesses an elite ability to come in from out wide, find pockets of space and open up defences with his skill and movement. 

If he can reach his top level, Forsberg could be the key to Sweden unlocking the potential of their enviable collection of young forwards.

©Getty / Jonathan NACKSTRAND

One to watch

Krasnodar’s Kristoffer Olsson has been one of the key reasons for the Russian side's success over recent years, and the 25-year-old could take a place in central midfield alongside Sampdoria’s Albin Ekdal.

A box-to-box player who contributes well at both ends of the pitch, Olsson will want to prove himself on the big stage.

Fan’s view

Prior to the tournament, we chatted with Helsingborgs IF footballer regarding the Swedish national team:

"Comparing Sweden man-to-man against the top sides they aren’t anywhere close to the tournament’s favourites, but when they operate as a unit their strengths shine through. 

"If they can progress from an open group they could well match their quarter final appearance from 2018, where one of the bigger nations would likely prove too strong."

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