Jeglertz turns to youth for Finland

Finland coach Andrée Jeglertz has included three uncapped players in a young squad for UEFA Women's EURO 2013 next month in Sweden.

Jeglertz's options have been reduced in recent months by injuries to key striker Linda Sällström and captain Maija Saari. Though there are other experienced choices like Katri Nokso-Koivisto, who may fill a defensive role in Saari's absence, and forward Sanna Talonen, also in the squad are a trio of players yet to make a senior international appearance: goalkeeper Siiri Välimaa, defender Nea-Stina Liljedahl and midfielder Henni Malinen.

There are also three teenagers in the shape of midfielder Nora Heroum, forward Ella Vanhanen and 17-year-old Natalia Kuikka. Jeglertz said: "We have a harmonious and even squad. Every player knows what they are expected to do on the pitch and can substitute another player if needed."

Finland, semi-finalists in 2005 and quarter-finalists four years later on home soil, begin Group A against Italy in Halmstad on 10 July before travelling to Gothenburg to face Sweden and Denmark.

Finland squad
Goalkeepers: Minna Meriluoto (Jitex BK), Siiri Välimaa (NiceFutis), Tinja-Riikka Korpela (Lillestrøm SK).

Defenders: Nea-Stina Liljedahl (FC Honka Espoo), Tuija Hyyrynen (Umeå IK), Susanna Lehtinen (KIF Örebro DFF), Laura Kivistö (PK-35 Vantaa), Katri Nokso-Koivisto (Lillestrøm SK), Anna Westerlund (Piteå IF), Pirjo Leppikangas (PK-35 Vantaa).

Midfielders: Tiina Saario (Åland United), Annika Kukkonen (Sunnanå SK), Emmi Alanen (Kokkola Futis 10), Nora Heroum (FC Honka Espoo), Heidi Kivelä (PK-35 Vantaa), Natalia Kuikka (Merilappi United), Henni Malinen (FC Honka Espoo).

Forwards: Marianna Tolvanen (FC Honka Espoo), Sanna Talonen (KIF Örebro DFF), Leena Puranen (Jitex BK), Jaana Lyytikäinen (Åland United), Annica Sjölund (Jitex BK), Ella Vanhanen (Pallokissat).