Sweden's Anders Svensson has accused England of disrespecting his team ahead of Friday's Euro 2012 clash between the two countries.
The former Southampton midfielder claimed that the Three Lions consistently underestimate the Swedes, and will pay the price if they do so this time around.
"I just think maybe you think you're a little bit better than you actually are, and we're a little bit better than you think we are," The Mirror quotes Svensson as saying.
"Obviously England have got big big names and big players, you have a great team, but I think you don't think that much about the Swedish team. Never have."
He added: "I think we're in a good team and are on the same level as England and have been for a long time.
"I just don't think England maybe have the same respect for us as they do for countries like France or Brazil.
"Maybe they shouldn't, but I think England are a great team, although Sweden are not far behind and haven't been for the last 10 or 15 years."
England have a dismal record against Sweden, having beaten them just once in the last 43 years.
Mark Langshaw
