For Sweden it is a case of déjà vu that they will meet Spain again in the Euro 2008 finals, after playing them twice in Group F qualifying for Austria and Switzerland.

Sweden have now qualified for five consecutive major tournaments (a record that should make England and the home countries jealous) and contain a sprinkling of hugely talented players in a team largely made up of functional footballers.

Group D is intriguing. Whilst it has not enjoyed as much attention as Group C - 'The Group of Death' -  all four teams can rightly argue that they could qualify. Spain contain arguably the most talented squad in the whole tournament, Greece could surprise the continent again as they did in Portugal 2004, and Russia have some super players and in Gus Hiddink a manager who is adept at negotiating tournament football.

'Group D is intriguing. Whilst it has not enjoyed a much attention as Group C - 'The Group of Death' - all four teams can rightly argue that they could qualify'


So Sweden have their work cut out, but they have enough talented players to suggest they can make an impact on the tournament. And most neutrals in England will be cheering them on, not least to guarantee a few more shots of their famously attractive female support.

Behind the defence will probably be goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson after Rami Shabaan made a glaring error in the friendly defeat to the Ukraine earlier on this week.

The defence should be solid by virtue of having played together so many times. Much will depend on Olof Mellberg who is expected to lead the defence. The Juventus-bound ex-Aston Villa centre-back offers 100% commitment but is not always the leader he should be with his wealth of Premier League experience. Also, if Petter Hansson shows his form from Ligue 1, the Swedes will have a solid pairing.

Midfield will be key especially against the three other teams in Group D who all have an abundance of talent in that area. Much will depend on Tobias Linderoth. He hardly made an impact at Everton but if he can protect the defence while the players in front of him have the ability to create chances for the forwards.

Kim Kallstrom has threatened to be a Steven Gerrard-type player for club and country and has improved year on year for Lyon, the perennial champions of France. This could be Kallstrom’s tournament and both he and Sebastian Larsson could be in the shop window this coming summer.

Larsson was one of very few Birmingham City players to cover himself in glory during their failed attempt to stay in the Premier League. His dead ball skills could also be an advantage and the young legs of Kallstrom and Larsson could be key if Freddie Ljungberg produces his West Ham form in Austria and Switzerland.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson make up what on paper could be a marvellous partnership. The former Celtic striker’s return to international football was a surprise to many but his footballing brain could well see him make another mark on a big stage. On his return to Celtic recently he scored a fine volley and much like Teddy Sheringham, should not be impeded by a lack of movement or pace.

Ibrahimovic is the great enigma of European football. The Inter Milan striker seems to have mastered Serie A as shown by his two goals  against Parma on the final day of the season, which confirmed the Scudetto for the Nerazzurri.

Inter chairman Massimo Moratti recently rewarded him with a new contract and Jose Mourinho could well find out that Ibra is “untouchable.” But Ibrahimovic has rarely managed to make an impact on the international stage. His performances against Liverpool in the Champions League this season were pathetic.

On the bench, Sweden can also call upon Toulouse’s Johan Elmander – who displays a physical presence and great technique. If he can make an impact from the bench Sweden could be in business.

Whilst Sweden have a fine record in World Cups they rarely make their mark. Their best showing was a semi-final appearance in 1992 and a similar position is not beyond them this time.

They will need one last hurrah from Larsson, or Ibrahimovic to live up to his reputation, but there is no shortage of talent. It is up to Lars Lagerback to prove that consistent qualification for major tournaments can actually be turned into tangible success.