Leaky Sweden hampered by injuries

Defeats in the opening two games ended the Swedes' hopes of progressing in the tournament and a 2-0 victory over a below-par French side in the final match was not enough to make up for the disappointment of failing to reach the knockout stages.

Hamren will need to add more defensive nous and tactical ruthlessness to his team's armoury if they are going to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Johan Elmander's fractured foot was a huge blow for the attack but it was the loss of centre-back Daniel Majstorovic to a serious knee injury that caused the biggest problem.

John Guidetti's absence due to a virus was compounded when Elmander fractured a metatarsal bone in his right foot and despite his best efforts to get fit, Hamren was suddenly short of options up front.

Germany will be favourites to win Sweden's World Cup qualifying group but with Ireland not the force they once were Hamren will fancy his chances of leading his side to another major tournament.