Anthony Elanga featured for Sweden in their draw with Slovenia in the World Cup qualifying match
Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga
Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga play together for Sweden
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United star Anthony Elanga was on the scoresheet for his country Sweden in their 2-2 draw to Slovenia on Friday night.
The World Cup qualifier naturally attracted plenty of attention in the North East, with three players in the squad connected to Newcastle. Alongside Elanga, Emil Krafth and former striker Alexander Isak were also included.
But it was Elanga who earned praise from the Swedish press. In their player ratings from the game, Svenskafans wrote: "Does really well when he puts 1-0 after a dribbling raid, but apart from that he doesn't create much in the offensive (area). Still a strong second [half] because of the goal."
While Fotbollskanalen added: "Great performance at 1-0. Impressed in the first half and threatened the home team several times. Lost and wasn't nearly as sharp in the second."
Speaking after the game, Elanga said: "I'm just glad I got to start and show my qualities. Sorry we didn't win. That's all I care about. We can take a lot of positives from this match. We were so close.
"Hopefully, we can make a better match against Kosovo on Monday and win it. As a football player, you always have to be ready. I'm always ready, regardless of whether I play or not."
Elsewhere, Isak was not involved as he continues to build his fitness. The Swede hasn’t featured since the final game of the 2024/25 season against Everton last May.
He had been training separately from the Newcastle squad before completing his £125million move to Liverpool on deadline day.
"We would love to play him, everyone would," Sweden boss, Jon Dahl Tomasson said. "But after three training sessions with the group, and no proper training all summer, the risk is a little too great.
"He could be a game changer against Kosovo, I believe. But we have to do the right things with him. In the long and short term."
Krafth was also named as an unused substitute.
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