Sweden

Profile

Sweden squeezed through the UEFA play-offs after a turbulent qualifying campaign marred by inconsistency, but no squad at this entire World Cup boasts a scarier frontline: Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, two of European football's most lethal forwards in the past two seasons, finally share a major tournament stage together. Isak has been the Premier League's most complete striker at Liverpool, combining technical brilliance with deadly finishing. Gyökeres left Coventry for Sporting CP and then Arsenal with a scoring record that defied belief, surpassing 50 league goals in less than two full seasons. Dejan Kulusevski provides the creative link from Tottenham's midfield. Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson must now find a way to accommodate both superstars in a functional system — if he succeeds, Sweden could be the most dangerous team in Group F and a genuine dark horse for the knockout rounds.

Sweden fixtures

Players to watch

• Alexander Isak

  Forward · Liverpool

  One of the Premier League's most complete centre-forwards, Isak combines excellent technical control, blistering pace and an extraordinary finishing ability that has made him one of Liverpool's most coveted players. His intelligent movement, both feet and composure in one-on-one situations make him a nightmare for the best central defenders in the world.

• Viktor Gyökeres

  Forward · Arsenal

  Perhaps the hottest striker in European football across the past two seasons, Gyökeres scored over 50 goals in Sporting CP's league campaigns before Arsenal came calling. His physicality, relentless pressing, pace in behind and deadly finishing across both feet and in the air make him one of the most feared forwards in the world.

• Dejan Kulusevski

  Midfielder · Tottenham Hotspur

  A dynamic, technical right-sided attacker who has become one of Tottenham's most important players with creative, high-energy displays. Kulusevski's dribbling, short combination play and ability to score or assist crucial goals make him the creative bridge between Sweden's midfield and their devastating front two of Isak and Gyökeres.

Group F table