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How can Sweden translate U21 win to senior side?

Senior coach Erik Hamrén watched Sweden's U21 EURO success at first hand in the Czech Republic – so what has he learned? Sujay Dutt provides a few pointers.

John Guidetti: not the shy type
John Guidetti: not the shy type ©Getty Images

"Make the most of this team now," Mathias Lühr wrote in Expressen this morning. "Make the most of a team that knows how to win a major trophy." So how can coach Erik Hamrén translate U21 EURO success to the senior side? And which players will be first to step up?

Hamrén followed the Under-21s from up close in the Czech Republic, witnessing the never-say-die attitude at first hand. It is a rare quality that he will hope to harness and inject into his own side. With Sweden in a promising position in the race for a place at UEFA EURO 2016, the upcoming qualifiers are a good time to start.

The transition has already begun. Eleven of Håkan Ericson's men have already featured for the seniors, albeit for the most part during winter tours to warmer latitudes when only those playing in Scandinavia are considered. Only Isaac Kiese Thelin and Alexander Milošević have encountered the pressure of competitive qualifiers; and both have stood up to the challenge.

After a nightmare start to the tournament – conceding a penalty and earning a red card in the opener against Italy – Milošević quietly clenched his fists and returned to the team, anchoring the defence manfully. He also scrambled to help set up Simon Tibbling for the equaliser against Portugal in the group stage, the goal that sent Sweden through to the semis.

Highlights: See Sweden's penalty glory

Thelin was troubled by an aching heel but he never let it show on the pitch. In him, Sweden have a player capable of finishing as well as winning aerial duels and holding the ball up, allowing his team-mates to get up in support. These are qualities that have been rare for Sweden since the days of Kennet Andersson in the 1990s.

Which of their trophy-winning colleagues are likely to receive senior call-ups this autumn? Ludwig Augustinsson looks determined to throw down a serious challenge for the left-back position, especially with Hamrén's first choice Martin Olsson hampered by injuries. Expect Augustinsson to be ready should Hamrén call.

The Oscars, Lewicki and Hiljemark, at the heart of midfield have been a tireless engine-room duo in the Czech Republic. After Anders Svensson's international retirement and Rasmus Elm's abdominal problems, the senior side would welcome players like the Oscars: smart, energetic and gifted on the ball.

Ericson in 'paradise' after Sweden win

One of the U21 history-makers could have been an established senior player years ago but for a piece of undercooked chicken. John Guidetti made his senior debut against Croatia in spring 2012 when he was banging in goals at will for Feyenoord. UEFA EURO 2012 beckoned but a piece of poultry consumed two months before the tournament caused a viral infection and Guidetti did not play competitive football again for a year and a half.

It seems the setbacks have made him stronger. He was the team's top scorer in the Czech Republic with two goals and came close to adding a third in the final, first thundering a volley just over the bar and then seeing José Sá get a hand to a close-range attempt. Guidetti is also a livewire personality, which has helped keep Ericson's team buzzing from the qualifiers to the happy ending in Prague.

Hamrén has a rich seam to mine.