Larsson upbeat ahead of World Cup campaign

Henrik Larsson insists Sweden must believe they can reach the World Cup final in Germany this summer.

Since 1958, Sweden have only made it past the second round once, but Larsson is convinced the current squad has a strong chance of reaching the latter stages.

“The game against Trinidad & Tobago is very important for us and we must go out and do our very best,” he said.

“The goal must of course be that in the long run we can go all the way to the final. If you don’t think that then you don’t have anything to play for in a tournament like this.

“We are more or the less same players in the squad compared with four years ago which means more experience which is good for everyone in the squad.

“Now, all players in the squad have got a responsibility and it is very important that everyone lives up to that responsibility if the team want to succeed.”

The former Celtic hero did not rule out returning to the Sweden squad for future international tournaments despite turning 35 this year.

“Let us see after this tournament and after I have made my comeback with (hometown club) Helsingborg in July.

“When I came back into the national squad in 2004 I promised myself to never say never again, but I am back in Sweden now and after that, let us see.

“It depends on if I feel good and if I still can supply anything and if (coach Lars) Lagerback still wants me.

“But all this is a question for the future.”

Meanwhile, Under-21 joint-coach Tommy Soderberg believes England’s attack may not be as potent as usual in Germany due their unfit and untested strikeforce.

He told PA Sport: “(Sven-Goran) Eriksson has a good side, but if I was him I would be worried about the attack. Is Rooney fit? How good is Owen’s form? Is Crouch good enough on this stage? And what can you expect from Walcott?”

However, the Swede feels there is only one team that will win the competition.

“Brazil, no question,” he added.

"Of which team can be the surprise package of the tournament," he said. “Why not Ghana or Ivory Coast?”