Rangers star Filip Helander’s World Cup hopes received a boost on Sunday as he helped Sweden to a second consecutive win and clean sheet in Qualifying Group B.
Helander hasn’t always been the go-to man for head coach Janne Andersson since making his senior international debut in 2017, but he’s currently getting a run in the side and impressing alongside Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof.
On Thursday night, the Swedes kicked off their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Georgia in Stockholm.
Helander played the full 90 minutes at the back and was outstanding in a tight contest, making three interceptions, a clearance and a block en route to a WhoScored rating of 7.3, the third-highest of any player to feature in the game.
He retained his place in the XI for a trip to Pristina to take on Kosovo on Sunday and although less involved in this game due to Sweden’s relative dominance, he made three clearances and played a big part in another clean sheet.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who recently came out of international retirement, was the key man for the Blue and Yellow as they continued their perfect start with a 3-0 victory.
After two matches, they lead the way in Group B ahead of Spain, who slipped up in their first fixture by drawing at home to Greece.
Helander will likely be satisfied by his efforts so far on international duty and he could be in action once again on Wednesday night, as Sweden return to Stockholm for a friendly against Estonia.
Meanwhile, an international manager has praised a Rangers star for his leadership skills and dedication.