Sweden

Only one other team than Sweden managed to collect the maximum of 12 points during the EHF EURO qualifiers: Germany. Does that make those two nations favourites for the final title? Maybe not, but at least it highlights the current wave of form that the Swedes are currently surfing on.

Looking at the last international competitions, it is clear why Sweden are among the favourites at this tournament. They won silver at the Men’s World Championship 2021, came fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and seventh at EHF EURO 2020. The Scandinavian side is back among the contenders, after surviving a 10-year handball desert.

The resurgence is largely due to their new generation. Jonathan Carlsbogard, Hampus Wanne, Lucas Pellas and Lukas Sandell are just some of the many young talents in this team. Most of them play the EHF Champions League every week, an opportunity that allows them to gather some experience that can pay dividends for the national team.

You would not want to overlook the role of their older players. Goalkeeper Andreas Palicka, line player Fredric Pettersson and captain Jim Gottfridsson, who have all been around for the last decade, provide a pattern for the youngsters to express themselves.

At EHF EURO 2022, Sweden will have no time to warm up – they will battle with titleholders Spain in the second preliminary round game. By that point, it will be clear how the Swedes are playing.

If all goes well, Sweden might be able to meet their expectations and to find some of their former glory again. It is 20 years since they won the third of their three consecutive EHF EURO titles – will they celebrate a perfect anniversary?