Sweden unveil Euro 2016 squad

Swedish national team coach Erik Hamrén yesterday announced his 23-man squad for the 2016 European Championships in France.

Hamrén, due to step down after the tournament, has named a mixture of youth and experience in his squad, with six of last year’s victorious European u21 championship side being named including Celta Vigo’s John Guidetti and Oscar Hiljemark of Palermo.

With all squad announcements though there are always major omissions. The most notable absentee from the Scandinavian’s squad is West Bromwich Albion central defender Jonas Olsson.

The 33-year-old has amassed 25 caps since Erik Hamrén took the reins of the Swedish national team in 2009, and he was firmly tipped to be part of his 23-man squad for this summer’s tournament.

Sweden have also named the experienced quartet of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint Germain), Andreas Isaksson (Kasimpasa), Kim Kallstrom (Grasshoppers) and Andreas Granqvist (Krasnodar).

Ibrahimovic and Guidetti are likely to lead the Swedish line when they face Ireland in their opening match on June, 13 in the Stade de France, however, it is in attack where the Swedes possess significant depth.

Marcus Berg, star of the 2009 European u21 championships and Emir Kujovic, top scorer for last year’s surprise Allsvenskan champions IFK Norrkoping accompany Ibrahimovic and Guidetti as being the four strikers Sweden will rely upon.

Kujovic only received his first international call-up prior to November’s play-off triumph over neighbours Denmark, and has since went on to play three times for his country, scoring once.

Hamburg midfielder Albin Ekdal has also been named in the squad despite pressing concerns regarding his fitness and availability for the tournament. Ekdal suffered a freak injury after falling on a glass table which resulted in him suffering a deep cut to his back.

Hamrén admits that it remains unclear whether or not Ekdal, who played eight times in qualifying, will play in France. He said: “He might not be in the squad at the finals – it depends on his recovery process."

Sweden open their Group E account by playing the Republic of Ireland in Paris on June, 13 followed by trips to Toulouse and Nice to play Italy and Belgium respectively.

The Swedish Squad in Full:

Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Kasimpasa), Robin Olsen (København), Patrik Carlgren (AIK).

Defenders: Ludwig Augustinsson (København), Erik Johansson (København), Pontus Jansson (Torino), Victor Lindelöf (Benfica) Andreas Granqvist (Krasnodar), Mikael Lustig (Celtic), Martin Olsson (Norwich).

Midfielders: Jimmy Durmaz (Olympiakos), Albin Ekdal (Hamburg), Oscar Hiljemark (Palermo), Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland), Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moskva), Erkan Zengin (Trabzonspor), Oscar Lewicki (Malmö), Emil Forsberg (Leipzig), Kim Källström (Grasshoppers).

Forwards: Marcus Berg (Panathinaikos), John Guidetti (Celta), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris), Emir Kujovic (Norrköping).