This national football team in transition this week began its journey towards the 2027 World Cup. And amidst the throng of teenagers, debutants and untested players, a 36-year-old stands with the captain's armband around his upper arm, leading the way.
Because when Kosovare Asllani talks, the young teammates listen.
"Then you don't want to interrupt," says Felicia Schröder with a laugh ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifying match away against Serbia.
The Häcken striker is 18 years old, half the age of Asllani, and started just ahead of the midfield veteran in the 1-0 win against Italy on Tuesday. Schröder is one of many new talents who have been given the chance, and taken it, in new national captain Tony Gustavsson's team.
“Guides in everything”
It would have been more difficult without Asllani.
"She coaches on the field and gives tips. And off the field she laughs and is there for people. She's a good captain. She guides in everything. She means a lot," says Schröder.
Monica Jusu Bah, 22, also started in the attack against Italy, and says she got lots of tips from Kosovare Asllani.
"There are so many I don't know which one to choose. But maybe always believing in yourself. It's so cliché but yes... she says that on the pitch too: 'Dare, just go!'"
22-year-old centre-back Elma Junttila Nelhage is another who is inspired by her team captain.
"She is very professional in everything she does. Even though she is the oldest, she shows the way by running a lot, she works hard and fights. We need players like that who push and encourage. She is incredibly important," says Junttila Nelhage.
Praised by the national team captain
Ahead of the Italy match, Asllani said that she has complete trust in players like Junttila Nelhage and 19-year-old Bella Andersson, the latter of whom made her national-team debut against Italy, even in important competitive matches.
For Tony Gustavsson, it's sweet music.
"It's impossible to put into words how much it means. It's what sets the whole culture of this group – that we do this together," says Gustavsson.
It was not a given that Asllani would continue in the national team after the European Championship in Switzerland. Now she says she will take it one match at a time, but her younger national teammates have already made the decision for her.
Sweden is going to the World Cup in Brazil. And Asllani is going with them.
Yes, absolutely, says Junttila Nelhage.
And I think she wants that too.
