Sweden

Sweden comes with youth on its side. Along with a strong defence, the team is rearing to go. In Euor Cup 1992, Sweden reached the semi-finals before losing to Germany. Though the retirement from the international scenario of Henrik Larsson left a yawning gap, it is to some extent compensated by the effective forward, Ibrahimovic. In the qualifying matches, Sweden conceded only three goals in total. In big match conditions, the team always comes up with a heart warming game.

This is the fifth successive major tournament for Sweden and Lars Lagerbäck is unlikely to make many changes to the tactics that have brought them such success. Though they will be missing striker Henrik Larsson, because of his retirement from international football, they have a fine replacement in FC Internazionale Milano's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A lot will depend on his ability to forge a consistent partnership with the improving Johan Elmander, with veteran Marcus Allbäck likely to be used as cover up front.

Sweden's game is rooted in patience, good teamwork and a strong work ethic. They keep the ball on the ground and look to play on the break against stronger sides. But in recent years Sweden have become increasingly forward-thinking and with Fredrik Ljungberg and Christian Wilhelmsson given free rein down the wings Lagerbäck's side is capable of packing a punch. Tobias Linderoth is arguably their most important player, excelling in his role of protecting the back four and breaking up attacks.

While Lagerbäck is aware of his team's limitations compared to Europe's top sides, the importance of having a settled squad and a sense of continuity cannot be underestimated. Sweden had reached the quarter-finals of the Euro Cup in 2004, bowing out on penalties after a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands. Mikael Nilsson, Anders Svensson, Olof Mellberg and Daniel Majstorovic may be over 30, but they still have plenty left to contribute.

Lagerbäck's biggest concern in the run up to the tournament is first-choice goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson's lack of playing time at Manchester City FC. Isaksson has not been the favourite of Sven-Göran Eriksson at the City of Manchester Stadium. and has seen little action in the immediate past. But Lagerbäck. Is optimistic to the core and hopes for the best.

Sweden Euro Squad