• Euro 2012

Elm: It's do or die against England

ESPN staff
June 12, 2012
Rasmus Elm is confident of a Sweden recovery © Getty Images
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Sweden midfielder Rasmus Elm believes his side have the quality to beat England and must do so to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

Sweden are bottom of Group C after losing 2-1 to co-hosts Ukraine in their opening game and face England, who drew 1-1 with France, in Kiev on Friday.

Elm concedes that his side were not good enough against Ukraine - letting slip a one-goal lead - but insists they have what it takes to beat Roy Hodgson's men.

"We have to show more against England," he said. "Yesterday we were maybe a little bit too insecure and the second half was much better than the first.

"I think when we tried to force it we showed we are a good team, making good chances against a good team also. If we play like we played in the first half, it's going to be difficult to beat almost any team."

Sweden team-mate Kim Kallstrom echoed the midfielder's thoughts, claiming Sweden's progress hinges on victory against England.

"That is really our only chance of going further, I believe," Kallstrom said. "We haven't got a lot left to lose anymore. Our joker is already gone. If you want to progress it's about winning matches. It's about stepping up now and hoping that we're more effective in front of goal. Then it can go well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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