Lagerback devastated by Euro exit

Lagerback has been sole manager of Sweden since Euro 2004

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback could not hide his anger after losing 2-0 to Russia and failing to get the point needed to progress to the last eight.

"It's very sad, we haven't experienced this since the tournament in 2000 in Belgium and Holland," he said. "I have a very bitter feeling about it.

"In the second half we tried to lift the team higher up the pitch," he said.

"But unfortunately they scored a second goal and it was more of an uphill struggle," he added.

Prior to the game Lagerback had insisted his side would go for victory, even though a draw would have seen them make it to the quarter-finals.

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But their inability to make it out of Group D could now signal the end at this stage for some of their older players, including striker Henrik Larsson.

"A new generation is coming through," said Lagerback.

"We had a number of younger players in this squad, but it's about picking the best players regardless of their age.

"It's not about age and experience, but the quality of the players."