Hien Named Captain as Holm and Larsson Get Starting Roles

Heavily delayed, the national team landed in Budapest. Then, the national team captain Jon Dahl Tomasson treated us to releasing the names of five players who will start in Friday's international match against Hungary. It must be a new record, he says and laughs.

» Published: June 05 2025 at 22:51

Hien Named Captain as Holm and Larsson Get Starting Roles
Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

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The five:

+ Robin Olsen stands in goal. This means that Victor Johansson will start against Algeria on Tuesday.

As I have said many times, I love to put on this jersey, says Olsen.

+ Center back Isak Hien becomes captain.

A good challenge for us and an important gathering for us to hone in on before the World Championship qualifying in the fall, he says.

+ Emil Holm appears in a difficult environment.

I'm excited, it's fun to play. It will be a very tough match on their home ground against a team that plays physically, says Emil Holm.

”Hinges on me”

For the Bologna player, it is an opportunity to strengthen the chance of playing when the World Championship qualifying starts in September.

Now it's up to me. If I do well, it will strengthen my chances.

+ Hugo Larsson gets a long-awaited start in midfield.

- An interesting player who has had a good season in Frankfurt, says Dahl Tomasson.

+ Anthony Elanga starts offensively. He will not participate against Algeria. He has been excused from the match for private reasons.

Jon Dahl Tomasson:

- We are now testing, but it is important for some players to be in and around the team and they can start in a World Championship qualifying. It is a good opportunity for many players to catch the eye of the coaching staff. Football is also about catching the opportunities that are given.

Lack of a patch

According to Hungarian media, the match is almost sold out. This means around 60,000 spectators at the national arena.

Dahl Tomasson about Hungary:

- Solid defensively, good on set pieces, quality in transitions, works hard for each other. It will be a good test for us, a challenge, says Tomasson.

The national coach is said to be one of the names mentioned as a possible new manager in Middlesbrough. On Thursday evening's late press conference, he does not want to deny the rumor directly.

”Rumors are rumors”

- In football, you can never guarantee anything. Rumors are rumors. It's part of the game. There are always rumors in football. I have a contract with the Swedish Football Association and I enjoy being here.

When asked further about the matter, he spoke instead about the good relationships he has with players, leaders and the football association. He also does not know if he can break his contract.

- I don't know, to be honest. I'm enjoying myself, enjoying my time here.

Center back Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is not in the squad. The other players are available, according to Dahl Tomasson.

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By TTTranslated and adapted by Sweden Herald
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