Jordan Larsson named as replacement for injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Sweden’s Euro 2020 Squad

 

Spartak Moscow forward Jordan Larsson has been named in Sweden’s squad for the Euro 2020 Championships starting next month.

The 23-year-old will replace veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who injured his knee in a recent Serie A encounter against Juventus and therefore was ruled out of the entire length of the tournament.

Larsson has made only five appearances for the national side but he will join other youngsters like Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak in Janne Andersson’s squad.

“I think we have a good mix in the squad,” said Andersson.

“We have several experienced players who have a few competitions in the bank and a bunch of hungry young players who will be playing their first tournament.

“That balance is important I think.”

Ibrahimovic came out of retirement and made his way back to the Sweden squad for two matches during the World Cup qualifiers in March. He had been seen in good scoring form in the Serie A as well and his experience was going to prove vital in Sweden’s Euro 2020 bid. However, his injury has now taken that chance away from him and the country.

“He (Ibrahimovic) was very disappointed, and so was I,” said Andersson.

“It was two very disappointed people who spoke to each other. He wished us good luck and I wished him good luck in his recovery.”

Jordan is the son of Henrick Larsson who has 37 goals to his name for the Swedish national team. The youngster has been in good form too, having scored 15 goals in 29 league appearances for Spartak this season.

Andersson will be hoping for a better performance than their run to the quarterfinals of World Cup 2018 where they were knocked out by England. Sweden will open their campaign against Spain on June 14. Slovakia and Poland are the other teams placed along with them in Group E.