Swedes fear defensive mix-ups

Sweden have held a crisis meeting to avoid defensive blunders when they take on England in their World Cup opener on Sunday.

Goalkeepers Magnus Hedman and centre halves Patrik Andersson and Johan Mjallby held the meeting after Mjallby’s own goal in the 1-1 draw against Japan on Saturday.

Hedman told Swedish newspaper Expressen talks were necessary to avoid a repeat of the incident.

‘‘It was good to meet up and discuss everything that happened when we scored an own goal,’’ said the Coventry goalkeeper.

‘‘We wanted to sort out any errors so we don’t repeat them against England.’’

Hedman also admitted he was partly responsible for the incident which resulted in Japan’s equaliser.

He added: ‘‘It was important to speak up. I should have been in a different position and my judgement of the distance was wrong.

‘‘The most important thing is that we speak the same language next time and avoid a similar blunder.’’