He was ably assisted by Henrik Larsson, who has been in superb form since coming out of international retirement in 2004, and Arsenal wide-man Fredrik Ljungberg.

They were the main reason the Swedes qualified for Germany as one of the best runners-up behind Croatia in their group with eight wins out of 10.

Sweden will have no fears in the tournament proper having topped the so-called World Cup Group of Death four years ago that included England, Argentina and Nigeria.

Coach Lars Lagerback is now in sole charge after previous joint-manager Tommy Soderberg left to take over the Under-21 side.

Manager: Lars Lagerback
One to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
World ranking: 16
Previous tournaments: 10
Best finish: Runners-up (1958)