The fallout from Sweden’s 2–0 loss to Switzerland has turned ugly — and Newcastle forward Anthony Elanga is at the centre of it. Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson faces accusations of “misconduct” from pundits and fans alike after refusing to bring on the Premier League star during a must-win World Cup qualifier.
According to Aftonbladet and Viaplay, Swedish analyst Bojan Djordjic slammed Tomasson live on air, calling his in-game management “cowardly” and accusing him of misusing one of the nation’s most dynamic attacking players. “It’s misconduct that Elanga is still standing there warming up,” he said, echoing the fury of supporters who booed the team off before and after full time.
Sweden’s defeat leaves their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. The performance — toothless in attack and hesitant in structure — raised serious questions about Tomasson’s leadership. Despite fielding a front line worth nearly £185 million, Sweden failed to register a single shot on target.
Elanga Left on the Bench as Sweden Collapse
It was the kind of night that defied logic. Lucas Bergvall missed an open goal, Alexander Isak struck the crossbar, and Viktor Gyökeres barely touched the ball. Yet even as Sweden chased the game, Tomasson kept Anthony Elanga — a player known for his pace and directness — glued to the bench.
Fans watching at home couldn’t believe it. The 23-year-old had been one of Newcastle’s most exciting summer signings, joining from Nottingham Forest for a reported £30 million. His early-season form under Eddie Howe has been electric, combining defensive work-rate with bursts of creativity in transition.
But for reasons still unclear, Tomasson opted for defensive substitutions, telling reporters after the match that he “wanted fresh legs in different positions” and didn’t want to risk being left short-handed.
“We wanted to wait with the last substitution in case something happened — if you substitute too early, you might have to play with ten players,” — Jon Dahl Tomasson, post-match interview (Aftonbladet)
The comment did little to calm critics. Many interpreted it as a confirmation of Djordjic’s “cowardly” label — prioritising caution over conviction in a game Sweden had to win.
Bojan Djordjic Calls It “Misconduct”
Former Sweden and Manchester United player Bojan Djordjic didn’t hold back. Speaking on Viaplay, he accused Tomasson of showing “fear” and lacking tactical courage.
“It’s misconduct that Elanga is still standing out there warming up. Those substitutions don’t change the course of a match — especially when you need a result. It’s better to go for it and lose 2–0 than to be cowardly and lose 2–0 anyway.” — Bojan Djordjic, Viaplay
His comments resonated with Sweden supporters who have grown frustrated by conservative selections under Tomasson. Many fans on social media echoed Djordjic’s view, arguing that Elanga’s pace could have broken Switzerland’s rigid defensive line.
Anthony Elanga’s Season So Far
Despite limited international action, Elanga has been thriving domestically. His start at Newcastle has been promising — adapting quickly to Eddie Howe’s high-intensity pressing system and linking well with Alexander Isak.
| Stat (2025/26) | Anthony Elanga |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 75% |
source: sofascore match data – 11 October 2025
Elanga’s pace, directness, and work rate make him a perfect impact player — precisely the profile Sweden lacked against Switzerland.
Analyst Verdict – Fear Over Function
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Tomasson’s decision exposed a deeper issue in Sweden’s setup. “He’s managing not to lose rather than trying to win,” William said. “Leaving a player like Elanga unused when your attack is flat is a psychological signal — it tells your team you don’t believe in risk.”
William added that Elanga’s versatility — able to play both flanks or centrally — makes him indispensable in games requiring tactical switches. “If Sweden are to progress, they must embrace their younger generation rather than hold them back with over-cautious management.”
Key Insights
- Anthony Elanga Sweden misconduct row dominates post-match debate.
- Jon Dahl Tomasson branded “cowardly” by pundit Bojan Djordjic.
- Sweden failed to register a single shot on target vs Switzerland.
- Elanga’s omission questioned given Newcastle form (3 goals, 2 assists).
- World Cup qualification hopes now hanging by a thread.
What’s Next for Sweden and Elanga
Sweden’s next fixture, away to Kosovo on 13 October, is now a must-win. Pressure on Tomasson is mounting, and national media reports suggest the Swedish FA could review his position if the team fails to qualify.
For Elanga, the focus returns to Newcastle’s Premier League campaign. Eddie Howe is expected to start him against Brighton on 18 October, offering a chance to channel frustration into form.
👉 Has Jon Dahl Tomasson lost the dressing room — or will Anthony Elanga’s benching spark a turnaround for Sweden’s World Cup hopes?
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