The Sweden XI that should start against Spain at Euro 2020
By Max Cooper
Sweden will be hoping to cause plenty of upsets this summer, starting with their opening clash of the Euro 2020 tournament with Spain.
The Swedes are without talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose return to international action was crushed by a knee injury suffered on Milan duty. Coach Janne Andersson is now tasked with selecting a side capable of competing in Group E against Spain, Poland and Slovakia, with the primary target of reaching the knockout rounds.
It's fair to say, he needs to get his team selection spot on. But who should he pick? 90min selects the best Sweden lineup available for Monday's big battle with Spain.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Robin Olsen (GK) - The Premier League saw the best (and worst) of Robin Olsen in an Everton jersey, and the Toffees decided not to make his loan from AS Roma permanent. Still, the best option for this particular team.
Mikael Lustig (RB) - An experienced presence in the defence. 34 years of age, but he's been around long enough to know how to navigate a major tournament.
Victor Lindelof (CB) - The highest rated defender in this side, Lindelof will lead the backline. The Manchester United star is a huge figure for his nation, and will be integral to keeping clean sheets.
Marcus Danielson (CB) - A Chinese Super League star for Dalian Professional since 2020, Danielson is set to add to his nine international caps. A late bloomer.
Ludwig Augustinsson (LB) - Werder Bremen's Augustinsson has been a regular feature in the Bundesliga side's defence over the past four years, and there's no one better to defend the left flank than the 27-year-old.
2. Midfielders
Viktor Claesson (RM) - It could be Seb Larsson on that right flank with all his experience and set-piece quality, but Claesson is an equally adept crosser of dead balls.
Albin Ekdal (CM) - Some Serie A pedigree in the middle. Ekdal is an important part of Sampdoria's solidity in the midfield, and that consistency will serve his country well against the sterner tests.
Kristoffer Olsson (CM) - This one is an exciting inclusion. Olsson is a wonderful playmaker in the centre of the park for FC Krasnodar, and he could be entrusted with the keys to Sweden's midfield.
Emil Forsberg (LM) - RB Leipzig's creative outlet Forsberg will be a danger for any defence this summer, and he'll constantly be looking to cut in and punish his opponents.
3. Forwards
Marcus Berg (ST) - A big physical, uncompromising presence in the penalty area, you do not want to come up against Berg on one of his good days.
Alexander Isak (ST) - This guy is definitely one to keep an eye on. Isak is destined for the top, and he is undoubtedly Sweden's danger man in the final third. He can be the spark needed to fire his side to glory.