 The Sweden team spokesman, Hans Hultman, has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be fit to start against England despite missing parts of Wednesday`s training session due to an injury to his left thigh.
Erik Hamren could opt to restore Johan Elmander to the starting XI ahead of Markus Rosenberg, who was preferred against Ukraine. Elmander had been recovering from a fractured foot and only returned to full training two days before Sweden`s opening match in Kiev.
Many were surprised to see 24-year-old midfielder Rasmus Elm preferred to the more experienced Anders Svensson, who has won 128 caps, against the co-hosts. Hamren could re-unite the Elfsborg captain with Kim Kallstrom in the centre of the park.
Roy Hodgson is not expected to make wholesale changes to the England side that drew 1-1 with France. Danny Welbeck should continue alongside Ashley Young in attack, while James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are likely to retain their places on the wings.
Hodgson admitted to having concerns over how fatigue might affect central midfielders Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard but they are unlikely to be rested against Sweden. Jordan Henderson is the duo`s obvious deputy but Milner and Phil Jones could also fill in.
Goal.com
First Published: Friday, June 15, 2012, 09:54
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