Save players who risk suspension in the European Championship qualifying match? Or give key players, who haven't played a match in a long time, playing time?
National team captain Peter Gerhardsson has a lot to think about ahead of tonight's European Championship qualifying match against France. Here's everything you need to know before the match.
What: European Championship qualifying in football.
Where: Stade Gaston Gérard, Dijon, France.
When: Friday at 21.10.
TV/Radio: SVT1/SVT Play and P4 Radiosporten.
Match significance: The second-to-last match in the qualifying round and Sweden is competing with England and France for one of two direct spots to the European Championship in Switzerland 2025. Regardless of how it goes against France, Sweden needs to take points, and most likely win, against England in Gothenburg on Tuesday to reach the European Championship.
Warning situation: In Sweden, the four defenders Magdalena Eriksson, Linda Sembrant, Jonna Andersson, and Hanna Lundkvist, as well as the offensive players Rosa Kafaji and Kosovare Asllani, are on a warning. If any of the six players receive a yellow card against France, they will be suspended against England.
Last time: Sweden lost 0–1 to France at Gamla Ullevi in April – veteran Wendie Renard scored the winner in the 81st minute. National team captain Peter Gerhardsson was pleased with the defense, but wants to forget the rest of the match.
"Overall, our passing game was far too bad," says Gerhardsson.
The dilemma: Gerhardsson has a lot to think about. Should he save players who risk suspension ahead of Tuesday's match against England? Or should he give as many key players as possible playing time? Most of the foreign pros come to the gathering with a longer break in their backs and lack match tempo.
Injuries/suspensions: Elin Rubensson missed the last national team gathering due to a thigh injury. The Houston midfielder is still not 100% and will likely rest against France. Nathalie Björn, who got injured during the previous gathering, is also questionable. Additionally, Norrköping's My Cato injured her arm during Wednesday's training, with unclear status immediately after.
In France, there are question marks around veteran striker Eugenie Le Sommer and important center-back Griedge Mbock, but both are available for play, said national team captain Hervé Renard at Wednesday's press conference. On the other hand, Lyon star Selma Bacha is suspended, and young striker Inès Benyahia is injured.
Sweden, possible starting eleven (4–3–3): Jennifer Falk – Hanna Lundkvist, Linda Sembrant, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson – Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Julia Zigiotti Olme – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Madelen Janogy, Fridolina Rolfö.
Other squad members: Zecira Musovic (goalkeeper), Emma Holmgren (goalkeeper), Nathalie Björn, Hanna Glas, Emma Kullberg, Josefine Rybrink, Anna Sandberg, Hanna Bennison, My Cato, Evelyn Ijeh, Sofia Jakobsson, Rosa Kafaji, Elin Rubensson, Felicia Schröder, Matilda Vinberg.
National team captain: Peter Gerhardsson.
France, possible starting eleven (4–3–3): Pauline Peyraud-Magnin – Sakina Karchaoui, Wendie Renard, Maëlle Lakrar, Elisa de Almeida – Kenza Dali, Amandine Henry, Grace Geyoro – Delphine Cascarino, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Kadidiatou Diani.
National team captain: Hervé Renard.
