Mjallby – Sweden face tough battle

Former Sweden international Johan Mjallby believes the current team face a tough task if they are to progress beyond the group stage of Euro 2016 this summer.

Erik Hamren’s side will face the world’s highest ranked team Belgium, Italy and the Republic of Ireland in Group E of the tournament, as they bid to make it into the knockout stages of the competition for only the third time in their history.

Mjallby, who made 49 international appearances for the Scandinavian nation between 1997 and 2004 admits that his side face a tough battle if they are to make it out of the group, and he has earmarked the match against the Irish at the Stade de France on June 13 as a potentially decisive encounter.

He said: “To be honest, it’s a tough group and we’ll do well to get out of it, but I think it’s between us and the Republic of Ireland for that last qualification spot.”

“Belgium and Italy are the clear favourites to top the group and I think Sweden are as good as Ireland, so it will come down to that match to see who progresses.”

The former Celtic player acknowledges that captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have to play a crucial role if the Blue-Yellow are to enjoy a successful tournament, but he believes the team as a whole must step up to the plate in France.

He added: “There’s no denying that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is vital to our chances but he’s become far too important for the team and if we stand any chance, we’ll need to play as a team as we simply don’t have enough stars not to.”

Sweden are available at 6.50 to top Group E, whilst they are on offer at 1.67 to qualify for the knockout stages.