Anthony Elanga, one of Sweden‘s most talented attacking players, no dey start for today’s crucial Group F match against Netherlands for 2026 World Cup. Di coaching staff decide to keep am for bench because of technical decision by coach Graham Potter.
Sweden don start di tournament with spectacular 5-1 victory over Tunisia. Potter’s side produce one of di most impressive performances for opening round for Monterrey. Di attack dey fire on all cylinders, with Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak leading di line in dominant display wey result for five goals.
Given di success of dat partnership, Potter decide to stick with di formula wey deliver convincing victory. As result, Elanga go start match among substitutes. Di 24-year-old Newcastle United forward feature as late substitute during Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia, entering match for 90th minute to replace Alexander Isak after outcome don already decide.
Elanga suffer tough first season at Newcastle after big-money move from Nottingham Forest. Di winger struggle for form after £55million transfer to Tyneside. He fail to score for Premier League all season, registering just one goal all campaign for League Cup tie against Manchester City. He end season relegated to bench as Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes dey preferred by Eddie Howe on right side of attack.
Dat substitute role look set to continue for Sweden. Sweden assistant coach Seb Larsson, former midfielder, catch photographer attention with what appear to be reserve line-up on piece of paper as preparations for Tunisia clash ramp up. Larsson, wey be Graham Potter’s assistant, picture with 4-4-2 formation wey include Elanga as striker.
Di likely lineup to face Tunisia see Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres for attack together, with Benjamin Nygren potentially out wide. E be blow for Elanga, wey hope for strong World Cup to soften blow of his dismal season with Newcastle.
Elanga’s hopes no help when he clash knees with opponent for game and need treatment after going down for heap, prompting serious concern from team-mates. He reportedly take go hospital for tests but appear to recover from knock. He say: “When you get pain for your knee, you can get worried, but e feel good. E feel calm. Di pain go go away for a day or two. E completely okay.”
Now, against Netherlands wey present much tougher challenge, if di Gyökeres-Isak partnership struggle to break down Dutch defense, Elanga fit become important option off bench for second half.
