Erik Hamren blasts 'cowardly' Sweden

Angry Sweden manager Erik Hamren has branded his team "cowards" following their 2-1 defeat to Ukraine at Euro 2012.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the Swedes ahead on 52 minutes, but Andriy Shevchenko struck twice within the next 10 minutes to turn the game on its head.

"We were cowards in the first half and should have done more," said Hamren. "I needed 11 players on top form together because we are not a big team but only five or six of them showed the quality I want and that's not enough.

"We knew how Ukraine would play and only had one player to stop but Shevchenko was stronger than us and has scored two goals.

"We didn't reach the level we wanted and our technique and tactics were not right. That is my responsibility as coach. Tonight no-one is happy and we grieve together."

Sweden, who sit bottom of Group D, face England in Kiev on Friday.