What: Euro 2012 – Group D
Who: Sweden vs England
When: Friday 15th June, 2012, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Olympiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine

Between Anger and Disappointment

The Swedish press have often criticised talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his lack of consistency at international level, however, when the AC Milan star produced the goods against Ukraine in his country’s Euro 2012 opener, his team-mates let him down. It was no wonder then that Ibrahimovic was furious post-match.

And it was not just the Milan man who wanted a better performance. “I was expecting more from the team”, said coach Erik Hamren as he blasted the display he had seen.

The attacking football which had become Sweden’s trademark under Hamren disappeared against Ukraine. For this reason, back in Sweden the 2-1 loss was considered to be as demoralising as a 6-0 defeat and Hamren now has to pick up the pieces, put some confidence back in his team, and beat England.

Substance Over Style

The 1-1 draw between France and England was perhaps the most uneventful game of Euro 2012 so far. There was nothing unexpected about the Three Lions’ performance, with new manager Roy Hodgson always planning to adopt a cautious approach due to the absence of Wayne Rooney. Hodgson’s game plan will probably be broadly the same against Sweden, albeit a little more attacking.

Despite being slammed for a defensive display elsewhere – “parking three buses in front of the goal is not football”, said former Germany star Michael Ballack – Hodgson has retained support at home, with comments about a “defensive solidity to admire” and “nothing to fear from Sweden and Ukraine”.

Indeed, captain Steven Gerrard is sure a repeat of England’s display against France will be enough. “With all respect to Sweden, who are a good strong team, they are not France, so we can be more bold and ambitious and get at them”, he said. “If we perform to the same level, we are confident of victory.”

Recent form

Sweden:
Sweden 3–2 Iceland (30/05; Friendly)
Sweden 2–1 Serbia (05/06; Friendly)
Ukraine 2–1 Sweden (11/06; Euro 2012)

England:
Norway 0-1 England (26/05; Friendly)
England 1-0 Belgium (02/06; Friendly)
France 1-1 England (11/06; Euro 2012)

Players to watch

Sweden – Christian Wilhelmsson: Alongside Ibrahimovic, Wilhelmsson is the only Swedish player who was able to create genuine danger for Ukraine’s defence. Replacing Sebastian Larsson as a substitute, the dribbling skills of the former Anderlecht winger were one of the few weapons which inspired his team. Four seasons spent playing in the Middle East has not dampened his quality.

England – Ashley Young: Against France, Young looked frustrated by England’s defensive mentality. It would be a mistake to marginalise the Manchester United man’s speed and creativity once again in this clash. Young can cause real trouble for Sweden’s slow defence, especially if played up front with Danny Welbeck.

Match Prediction

For Sweden this is a “must win” game, and England too need more than just a point. Both sides were less than perfect in their respective Euro 2012 openers, even if England showed a defensive solidity that Sweden did not. However, if Ibrahimovic is well supported by his team-mates, then Sweden can grab a surprise three points.

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