“I will do everything I can to support the team. Historically, we have done well against England”
MIKAEL LUSTIG to miss Sweden’s World Cup quarter- final through suspension but vows to back his team- mates to the hilt.
Celtic defender Mikael Lustig insists he will do everything he can to help Sweden end England’ s World Cup dream on Saturday despite picking up a sickening suspension that rules him out of the muchanticipated quarter-final tie.
Lustig won’ t play against Gareth Southgate’s side in the last-eight show down after receiving a second booking of the tournament in their 1- 0 last -16 victory against Switzerland on Tuesday. He was shown a yellow card by Slov- enian referee Damir Skomina for a tug on Switzerland striker Josip Drmic in the first half.
The Celtic right- back insists the booking was harsh and he will now miss the showdown with England.
But he has stressed that he will still feel part of the squad for the clash in Samara.
He said :“I accept it was a yellow card, but I would point out they twice did similar fouls when stopping our counter attack and the ref never booked them.
“I just felt he was far too quick reaching for his card.”
Nevertheless, Lustig is deter- mined to give his support from the sidelines and in training this week. “I’ve just got to shake off the feeling of disappointment and try to do my best to help my colleagues,” he added.
“I will do everything I can to support the team.
“Historically, we have done well against England – they are a team that brings out the best in us. It’s going to be tough, but this tournament has proved there are shocks in the air.”
On the plus side, Sweden will welcome back Sebastian Larsson from a ban and the holding midfielder should go straight back into the starting line- up.