Graham Potter omits Benfica’s Samuel Dahl, backs debutant Elliot Stroud for Sweden | OneFootball

Graham Potter has left Benfica left-back Samuel Dahl out of his first Sweden squad, selecting debutant Elliot Stroud instead after Tuesday’s announcement.

As reported by Glorioso 1904, Stroud has been rewarded for his form with surprise champions Mjallby. The 26-man list also features names familiar to Portugal, among them Viktor Gyokeres, Braga defender Gustaf Lagerbielke and former Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

Potter said it was a difficult call. He noted Sweden have many good options and he chose Elliot on what he has seen at Mjallby, adding it was not about Dahl and that Stroud merited an opportunity.

Sweden now prepare to face Ukraine on 26 March in Valencia. If they win, they will host Poland or Albania to secure a place in Group F at the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Dahl, valued at nine million euros, has played 45 competitive games for Benfica this season, 25 in the league, 13 in the Champions League, four in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. Across 3,877 minutes, the No 26 has recorded two goals and two assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904