18-Year-Old Smilla Holmberg Joins European Championship Squad

Just over ten days ago, she made her A-national team debut – now 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg is part of the European Championship squad. It's completely insane. I can't understand it, I started crying. It came as a shock, says the sensation to Aftonbladet.

» Updated: June 12 2025 at 07:18

» Published: June 11 2025

18-Year-Old Smilla Holmberg Joins European Championship Squad
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

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Coach Peter Gerhardsson about Holmberg, who made her debut against Italy in the Nations League at the end of May:

She took the chance and showed that she is so good that she should be included, he says about the Hammarby player.

However, Felicia Schröder or Evelyn Ijeh did not make it.

They received the news via the TV broadcast.

We have chosen not to inform players who are not included in advance. Those conversations will be taken now afterwards, says Gerhardsson.

Rosa Kafaji is forced to withdraw from the European Championship due to a foot injury.

“One of our fastest”

18-year-old Smilla Holmberg made an impressive debut for the senior national team as a right-back.

We have had different types of full-backs and in Hammarby Smilla looks like the type of player who is a bit more endurance. We saw that she has qualities and she is one of our fastest players. She has shown it against Italy and in our training sessions, says the coach about the European Championship surprise.

Gerhardsson has not named any reserves, but he will ask some of the players who were closest to taking a place to be ready if injuries occur.

Some we will inform and ask how their planning looks. We will have backup in several positions, says Gerhardsson.

Accompanied by another great talent

Another young talent who got the chance for the first time in a major tournament is Holmberg's team-mate in Hammarby Ellen Wangerheim, 20.

She has done very well this spring. She had some really great duels with (Amanda) Ilestedt in the previous round and she wants to be included here, says Gerhardsson.

I was shocked. My sister couldn't get a word out. We showed a lot of emotions and tears, says Wangerheim and continues.

We are ready to fight for the gold. I'm going in with the attitude that I'm going to play. I put a bit of pressure on myself but I want to be included and compete.

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By TTTranslated and adapted by Sweden Herald
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