World Cup 2018 power rankings
By James Dudko
22. Sweden
A lack of goals and general quality up top will wreck Sweden’s hopes of staying competitive in Group F. A squad looking to John Guidetti and Ola Toivonen is likely to be left disappointed.
The issues along the forward line are a shame considering Sweden are loaded with class in the middle. Most of it comes from RB Leipzig maestro Emil Forsberg.
He’s an intuitive No. 10 whose clever touches, flicks and precise passing can enliven any game. What Forsberg needs is better players to aim for.
There are also question marks about the Swedish back line. Most of those questions surround the form and confidence of Victor Lindelof, who was barely used during his first season at Manchester United.
Celtic man Mikael Lustig will also be tested by the many marquee attacking players in Group F. Germany have a host of forwards, as do Mexico. Meanwhile, South Korea are led by the flair and pace of Tottenham’s Heung-min Son.