Sweden v England preview: manager Roy Hodgson has confidence in squad despite injuries

The fixture is notable for two reasons as it marks the official opening of the Friends Arena in Stockholm.

In addition, the occasion will provide England captain Steven Gerrard the opportunity to win his 100th international cap.

The Liverpool midfielder was cleared for England duty on Monday night after a precautionary scan on a knee injury suffered against Chelsea on Sunday.

And in the build-up to the contest, Gerrard’s manager spoke of his satisfaction with the current squad at his disposal.

Hodgson said: “I think we’ve got a very interesting squad of players and I am aware that we have a number of injuries.

“But we’ve got more than enough players and the ones that we have here are anxious to play and I am looking forward to seeing them play.

“Yesterday’s training session went as best as it could but most of the players were on a sort of warming-down session after playing on Sunday.”

The veteran coach also spoke of his pleasure at seeing Jack Wilshere return to the England set-up after a long-term injury, though he insisted that the Arsenal youngster would not be put at risk.

“There is no arrangement with Jack and I’m a bit surprised and a bit pleased that we’ve got him,” he added.

“There was never any intention for Jack to start him in the game and play him for 90 minutes.”

Meanwhile Gerrard admitted today that he was “slightly nervous” as he prepares to lead out England in Stockholm.

Upon doing so he will become the sixth Englishman to reach a century of caps, joining Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, record holder Peter Shilton and David Beckham as the nation’s other centurions.

Gerrard said: “I’m excited and slightly nervous, which I haven’t been for a while in an England shirt.

“I can’t wait for the game to start. I’m really happy where I am and look forward to helping the team qualify for the World Cup.”

The England skipper’s Swedish counterpart Zlatan Ibrahimovich paid tribute to the Liverpudlian.

He said: “I think Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player.

“He has been loyal to his club, he has won some big trophies with the club.

“He is a very good person to have as a team-mate in your team. He always gives 200 per cent, is a good fighter and has good skills and a good touch with the ball also.”