In February 2020, Clara Lerby was selected for the senior national team for the first time when she took a place in the Swedish squad for the Olympic qualifiers.
But the qualifiers for the Olympics were postponed due to the pandemic.
After that, the qualifier for the European Championships was completely canceled and in the pre-season last year, the left six tore off the cruciate ligament.
- I just remember that I was lying on the floor and shouted that I can not be injured now.
It was like a nightmare.
Everyone wants to be part of the national team, so it is clear that it did not come so easily.
That period was tough, says Clara Lerby to SVT Sport.
"Longed for since you were a child"
The 22-year-old talent missed the whole of last season but is now back in the club team Lugi - and the women's national team.
One and a half years after the planned national team debut, it is finally time for the first A-international match when Sweden meets Iceland in the European Championship qualifiers on Thursday.
- It's unreal but at the same time fun.
I have really longed to get this chance, she says.
- I'm kind of always nervous no matter what match I play but this, now it feels like it's for real.
This has been longed for since you were a small child and looked at all the big stars.
Are any of the big stars left in the national team?
- Yes, but I have always thought Jamina was cool and cool and Hagman too.
Met Iceland's youth landscape
Sweden will face Iceland, Turkey and Serbia in the qualifiers for the European Championships 2022, where the two best teams in the group will go.
Thursday's clash with Iceland will be the starting shot for the qualifiers.
- I do not know much about Iceland yet, I have met their youth national team but then I got a red card so I did not play much against them.
Then we hope that there will not be a replay of that match?
- No exactly, that I stay on the field.
SVT broadcasts the match between 18.50 and 20.00 on SVT2 / Play and on SVT24 / Play from 20.00.