Ahead of the handball European Championships - Sweden has replaced half the team

There is a lot of routine that has disappeared from the Swedish handball scene in the last year. The profiles Jamina Roberts, Nathalie Hagman and Anna Lagerquist have all given thanks. The two later for good, while Roberts just chose to quit the national team.

In addition, veterans Linn Blohm, Linn Hansson and goalkeeper Filippa Idéhn are all pregnant. And in addition, injuries to other players have meant that of the 18 players who will soon play in the EC, nine are new compared to the squad that played in the WC a year ago.

What does it do to expectations?

- We are quite aware that performance can fluctuate a little, and that one day it can look a little better or worse than it did the day before, says Tomas Axnér.

- But we have a lot of faith in this squad, both in the short and the long term.

Sweden went to last year's WC with hopes of a medal but it ended with a fiasco-like 15th place. This time, expectations are more toned down.

- We see opportunities but are of course aware that we are now somewhere around place seven to nine to ten in Europe, says Tomas Axnér.

This year's EC is spread over five different countries in the group stage. Sweden starts in Slovakia's capital Bratislava, where they face Germany, Slovakia and Serbia in particular.

Germany, who won the World Cup silver last year, are favorites in advance to win the group, with Sweden as the expected runner-up. The top two teams from each group advance to the next phase.

- I think that in the long term this national team can break into this top 6 layer again. That is what we work hard for and want and hope and believe. That, hopefully in the near future, we will be able to compete for semi-final places and medals again.

The Swedish Handball Association has its real sights set on the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The barely two years until then are all about getting the new, young group together.

It is pleasing for the national team that Nina Koppang, who last spring chose to pause her handball career for personal reasons, is back and ready for the EC.

- She can especially spice up our attacking game. A player who, with his physicality and explosiveness, can also create space and space for other players. We think that can be important for us, says Axnér.