The Swedish national boss will lead his side into what could be named the group of death at Euro 2016, with the Republic of Ireland, Italy and Belgium awaiting.
A third place finish in qualifying Group G saw Erik Hamrén’s Sweden outfit lock horns against Denmark in the playoffs. Three goals over the two legs from captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed a narrow victory for the Blågult and a spot in the latest installment of the European Championships. The 58-year-old coach will now attempt to navigate his side out of a difficult group.
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Tactical setup
Hamrén has experimented with multiple formations throughout the qualification stages, however, it appears likely the Scandinavian outfit will begin the tournament utilising a 4-4-2 formation – with Panathinaikos striker Marcus Berg partnering the aforementioned Ibrahimovic up front.
And it is in attack where the Swedes pose the biggest threat to overcoming their opponents. While they boast sufficient quality in midfield and defence, the ‘Zlatan factor’ up top is the undoubted danger opposing sides will look to suppress. Drive and class from midfielders such as Oscar Hiljemark and Kim Källström will also be crucial, while Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelöf will be hoping to replicate his club form with the national side.
Previous employment
The 58-year-old began his senior coaching career in Sweden’s second tier with Väsby IK in 1989. Later on he rose to manage Stockholm side AIK, where he guided the capital club to three successive Swedish cup finals – losing the first and winning the next two.
In January 2004, Hamrén moved abroad to Danish club Aalborg. In Denmark, he led AaB to the 2007-08 Super League title – just the third championship in their history – but left for Norwegian powerhouse Rosenborg shortly after. It was here where Hamrén won the Tippeligaen title in his first full season in charge and eventually went on to take over from the long-serving Lars Lagerbäck as Swedish national team boss in November 2009 (and on a full-time basis almost a year later).
Conclusion
The Swede will take his side to France in the knowledge that an arduous task faces them. Depending on how his charges match up against some of Europe’s best sides, though, the potential to lead the Scandinavian outfit out of the group stages remains a genuine possibility.
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