Larsson unconcerned over Swedish role

Sweden midfielder Seb Larsson says he has no worries over his place in the national team squad for this summer’s European Championship Finals in France.

Injuries have disrupted Larsson’s season at Sunderland but he says he wants to use the Black Cats final eight games in the Premier League to ensure he is part of the Sweden squad come June.

Larsson played the second half in both Sweden’s recent friendlies against Turkey and the Czech Republic.

Knee ligament damage caused the 30-year-old to spend three months on the sidelines at his club earlier in the season and Larsson has struggled to re-establish himself under Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light.

He returned as a sub in the draw at Southampton in early March but was not part of the matchday squad for the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle at St James’ Park last time out.

Questions have been raised in his native land as to whether or not Larsson merits selection for Euro 2016 but the player himself says he has no doubts.

He feels he will be able to impress coach Erik Hamren between now and June and says missing out on Euro 2016 isn’t something he has been contemplating.

“No, it’s not something I’ve thought about to be honest,” said Larsson.

“I have always known that the Euros were not in danger because of the injury and that I would come back in time.

“I’m doing everything to get back to the form which will get me into the starting XI.”

Larsson admits it has been tough coming back from injury in mid-season but he says he is feeling fresh and ready to prove his worth in what remains of the campaign, as Sunderland continue their bid to beat the drop.

“When you’re in this situation normally, it starts to affect the body, and in a different way, mentally as well. It’s tough to have 100-per-cent energy when you go into the matches.

“But I feel the opposite. It feels as if I have plenty of energy.

“I’ve got seven or eight weeks before the season finishes and I can go to the Euro’s feeling fresh,” he added.

Sweden face Belgium, Italy and Republic of Ireland in France this summer where they are 1.67 to qualify from Group E.