Sweden women’s national football team head coach Tony Gustafsson has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup playoff matches against Lithuania, scheduling games for October 9 and 13. The roster features the notable return of defender Nathalie Björn, who missed previous international fixtures due to injury.
Nathalie Björn and Filippa Angeldahl Return from Injury
Björn comes back into the national team setup after recovering from fitness setbacks that sidelined her during earlier international windows. Gustafsson expressed relief at her recovery, noting that while she has been available for selection across three matches for Chelsea, she carries more match minutes in her legs than her club playing time strictly suggests. Midfielder Filippa Angeldahl also returns despite facing persistent fitness questions leading up to the squad announcement. Gustafsson admitted that Angeldahl’s status remained a lingering question until days prior to the roster reveal.
Tactical Shifts in Midfield Due to Fitness Uncertainty
Because of ongoing questions surrounding player readiness, Gustafsson adjusted his tactical deployment. He listed Hanna Lundkvist as a central midfielder rather than her usual defensive position as a full-back. Gustafsson pointed to prior familiarity, highlighting that Lundkvist and Julia Zigiotti Olme share past experience playing alongside each other in the central midfield role.
Playoff Path to the World Cup
Sweden faces Lithuania in a two-legged playoff series to open this phase of qualification. A victory over Lithuania will advance Sweden to a final two-legged playoff round scheduled for the turn of November and December, where the team will meet either Scotland or the Czech Republic for a spot in the tournament. Gustafsson outlined the overarching objective for the squad, emphasizing a dual mandate to build a new national team while successfully securing qualification.
Sweden Women’s Playoff Squad
- Goalkeepers: Moa Edrud, Jennifer Falk, Zecira Musovic
- Defenders: Bella Andersson, Alice Bergström, Nathalie Björn, Smilla Holmberg, Amanda Ilestedt, Elma Junttila Nelhage, Amanda Nildén, Anna Sandberg
- Midfielders and Forwards: Filippa Angeldahl, Anna Anvegård, Hanna Bennison, Stina Blackstenius, Evelyn Ijeh, Monica Jusu Bah, Rosa Kafaji, Hanna Lundkvist, Beata Olsson, Felicia Schröder, Matilda Vinberg, Julia Zigiotti Olme