Euro 2012 Preview: Sweden

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 04 June 2012

After failing to make an impact at an international tournament for too long, can Sweden turn their fortunes around this summer? Sports Mole takes a look at the Scandinavians.

Sweden won eight out of 10 qualifying matches to reach Euro 2012, so they could be forgiven for going into the tournament with confidence.

Full of experience on the international stage, Erik Hamren's men have the opportunity to put behind them some woeful campaigns in recent years.

However, they will have to overcome the might of France, England and hosts Ukraine if they are to progress.

Group: D

Manager: Erik Hamren - The stylish 54-year-old has plenty of years behind him in Scandinavian club football, but can he get the most out of the national team this summer?

Players to watch:

Olof Mellberg: The unforgiving centre-back has lost none of his hardman credentials since leaving Aston Villa in 2008.

Rasmus Elm: The talented 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League and will be hoping to make a name for himself in Poland and Ukraine.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The colourful striker is one of the most infuriating players in European football, but on his day he is capable of the sublime.

Previous best: Semi-final 1992

Sports Mole says: Group stages