Iceland Prepared For Battle

Eyjolfur Sverrisson, the Iceland coach, isn’t taking any chances. The 18-man squad that he’s chosen for the friendly against T&T at the end of this month includes Chelsea striker Eiður Guðjohnsen and Leicester City midfielder Johannes Gudjonsson, as well as seven other English-based players.

Guðjohnsenm, usually a forward, has been starting in midfield for Chelsea recently. Leicester City’s Gudjonsson is a bit of a firebrand – in December he was booked twice in two games (both yellow cards), for unsportsmanlike behaviour and for disagreeing with the referee’s decision. In one of those games – against Stoke – he scored a cracker of a goal outside the 25-yard line.

Iceland’s last World Cup qualifier was against Sweden. That game ended in a 3-1 loss. The Warriors’ World Cup debut will be against Sweden on June 10th.

This game is definitely one to watch. Warner and other T&TFF officials will of course be present, as will invited reps of the England FA. I’ve bought my tickets already, but I’m hoping to get press access for the match as well. If I do, expect quotes from players and officials, and as many pictures as I can upload.

The Iceland Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Árni Gautur Arason (Vålerenga IF), Norway Daði Lárusson (FHk)

Defenders:
Hermann Hreiðarsson (Charlton Athletic), Indriði Sigurðsson (KRC Genk), Kristján Örn Sigurðsson (SK Brann), Ivar Ingimarsson (Reading FC), Grétar Rafn Steinsson (AZ Alkmaar)

Midfielders:
Brynjar Björn Gunnarsson (Reading FC), Arnar Þór Viðarsson (FC Twente), Jóhannes Karl Guðjónsson (Leicester City), Stefán Gíslason (SFK Lyn), Kári Árnason (Djurgårdens IF), Helgi Valur Daníelsson (Östers IF), Emil Hallfreðsson (Malmö FF)

Strikers:
Eiður Smári Guðjohnsen (Chelsea FC), Heiðar Helguson (Fulham FC), Hannes Þ. Sigurðsson (Stoke City FC), Grétar Ólafur Hjartarson (KR)