A super experienced goalkeeping pair and a familiar collection of players in a strong squad. Tomas Axnér’s choices for Sweden in the upcoming World Cup had few surprises but leaves for the championship with plenty of experience.
– Our vision is to compete and do everything we can to take the last step and fight for medals, he says in a press release.
Thea Kylberg (Ikast HB), playing abroad since a couple of months, is the only championship debutant in the blue and yellow selection. Mathilda Lundström, who regained her national team spot in the autumn, is another minor change compared to the squads during last year.
Between the posts, Johanna Bundsen and Filippa Idéhn are making their first championship together since the 2018 European Championship.
Two goalkeepers instead of three and a total of 16 selected players compared to the normal 18 were a conscious choice from national team captain Axnér.
– It takes strength to be a reserve on site and Stuttgart is not on the other side of the globe. We will have a dialogue and a plan with the reserves that are closest to hand to replace us if we suffer illness or injury, he says in a press announcement.
A majority, nine out of 16 players represent clubs in the Danish league.
Sweden´s WC squad
Source: Handbollslandslaget.se
Goalkeeper
Johanna Bundsen, Metz HB, 170 caps/16 goals
Filippa Idéhn, Ikast Håndbold, 135/11
Left wing
Clara Lerby, Nykøbing Falster HK, 27/91
Elin Hansson, Team Esbjerg, 101/253
Pivot
Linn Blohm, Györi Audi ETO KC, 191/558
Anna Lagerquist, Györi Audi ETO KC, 120/127
Olivia Löfqvist, Team Esbjerg, 36/43
Right wing
Mathilda Lundström, Horsens HK, 89/132
Nathalie Hagman, Györi Audi ETO KC, 249/960
Left back
Jamina Roberts, Ikast Håndbold, 261/702
Tyra Axnér, Metz HB, 61/118
Kristin Thorleifsdóttir, DVSC Schaeffler, 88/131
Playmaker
Emma Lindqvist, Ikast Håndbold, 116/265
Jenny Carlson, Molde Elite, 85/233
Right back
Nina Koppang, Team Esbjerg, 42/73
Thea Kylberg, Ikast Håndbold, 4/9