Uncapped Nilsson gets Sweden chance

Uncapped full-back Lina Nilsson has been called into the Sweden squad for their last friendlies before Thomas Dennerby names his 22-strong selection for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™.

Uncapped call
Sweden face China in Jonkoping on Sunday before travelling to Pori to play finals hosts Finland three days later, and 22-year-old LdB FC Malmö defender Nilsson joins an otherwise familiar squad. "We've had our eyes on her for a long time," Dennerby told the Swedish Football Association's website. "Lina is an attacking full-back who dares to go forward without neglecting her defensive duties."

Goalkeeping question
The matches will also allow Dennerby to assess the competition for first-choice goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, with Kristin Hammarström and Ulla-Karin Rönnlund both hoping to show their worth. Umeå IK's Rönnlund, 32, returned to the squad this year after a long absence to start a family but injury has prevented a comeback appearance until now. "She broke her finger during the Algarve Cup in the spring and we want to give her a chance to show how good she is," said Dennerby, whose side have got the better of Germany, the United States and Brazil this year. He will gather his finals squad on 10 August, nine days before meeting Norway in a final friendly before taking on Russia, Italy and England in Group C in Finland.

Sweden squad
Goalkeepers: Kristin Hammarströn (KIF Örebro DFF), Hedvig Lindahl (Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC), Ulla-Karin Rönnlund (Umeå IK).

Defenders: Lina Nilsson (LdB FC Malmö), Anna Paulson (Umeå IK), Charlotte Rohlin (Linköpings FC), Stina Segerström (Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC), Linda Sembrant (AIK Solna), Sara Thunebro (1. FFC Frankfurt).

Midfielders: Johanna Almgren (Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC), Kosovare Asllani (Linköpings FC), Lisa Dahlkvist (Umeå IK), Nilla Fischer (LdB FC Malmö), Caroline Seger (Linköpings FC), Therese Sjögran (LdB FC Malmö), Victoria Svensson (Djurgårdens IF FF).

Forwards: Linda Forsberg (LdB FC Malmö), Jessica Landström (Linköpings FC), Sara Lindén (Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC), Lotta Schelin (Olympique Lyonnais).