Sweden pick 1994 veteran Mild in squad

Sweden struck a balance between youth and experience when they named their World Cup 23-man squad, picking midfielder Hakan Mild who played in the Swedish team that reached the 1994 semifinals.

Barcelona defender and regular Sweden captain Patrik Andersson, who is set to return to action soon after an 11-week absence due to a knee injury, is also in the squad.

Sweden, unbeaten in their past 18 international matches, are drawn with Argentina, England and Nigeria in the toughest opening group of the finals, which start on May 31.

"You know that you'll meet strong opponents in a World Cup. This time we got some extra tough opponents (in the group phase) and it will not be any easier if we advance in the tournament," coach Lars Lagerback told a news conference.

"We have chosen different types of players in order to be able to alter the pace and flow of a match, if we are ahead or if we are trailing, but we will not change our basic way of playing," Lagerback said.

Wimbledon's Mild, 30, has not represented his country since November due to a groin injury. With four goals in as many games this season, AIK Stockholm midfielder Andreas Andersson has also been included.

Fellow coach Tommy Soderberg said Sweden's initial aim in the tournament in Japan and South Korea was to play "three very good matches".

"Everyone must take part in defence and I hope that we will be able to spring a few surprises up front," Soderberg said.

The two top teams from each group go through to the last 16 knock-out stage.

Sweden, who finished third in 1994, will play a warm-up against Paraguay at home in Stockholm on May 17 and the team will travel to Japan on May 20.

The Swedes meet Japan in their last friendly on May 25 and open their World Cup adventure against England on June 2.