Sweden Revamps Lineup for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Switzerland

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Sweden Revamps Lineup for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Switzerland
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

National team captain Jon Dahl Tomasson makes major changes in the starting eleven in the World Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Strawberry arena. More than half of the team after the 0-2 loss to Kosovo in September has been replaced.

The trio Hjalmar Ekdal, Hugo Larsson and Daniel Svensson are leaving and being replaced by Gustaf Lagerbielke, Lucas Bergvall and Ken Sema.

In addition, Jesper Karlström gets the chance instead of Anton Salétros. In goal, Viktor Johansson steps in instead of Robin Olsen, who has finished in the national team.

Up front, Alexander Isak is back, at the expense of Anthony Elanga.

Isak will also wear the captain's armband.

Fourth international match

Lagerbielke replaces Ekdal and makes only his fourth international match.

"Gustaf has played very well in Braga, both in the Portuguese league and in European Cup matches. He is calm with the ball and good in defensive actions and used to acting in different positions, both to the right and more centrally," says Jon Dahl Tomasson to the association's website.

Isak Hien was a question mark for a long time due to injury problems.

"The medical team and Isak himself have worked extremely hard for him to become playable," says Jon Dahl Tomasson to the association's website.

Tomasson on the choices of Jesper Karlström and Lucas Bergvall in midfield:

"Jesper plays in his club team in a similar role in front of the defense. He has trained well this week."

"Has been really good"

"Lucas has done extremely well in the last month in Tottenham. His qualities with dynamics, running ability and ability to influence matches in Tottenham have been really good and that's also the reason he plays."

Victor Nilsson Lindelöf starts on the bench, back in the squad for the first time since March.

This is how Sweden starts: Viktor Johansson – Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, Gabriel Gudmundsson – Alexander Bernhardsson, Jesper Karlström, Lucas Bergvall, Yasin Ayari, Ken Sema – Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.

Switzerland: Gregor Kobel – Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez – Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Fabian Rieder – Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.

Kickoff is 20.45.

Correction: In an earlier version, it was stated that Isak Hien is the team captain. It should be Alexander Isak.

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