Euro: Hamren shoulders Sweden blame, hopes to stay on

By Philip O'Connor

KIEV (Reuters) - Sweden coach Erik Hamren accepted the blame on Saturday for his side's early exit from Euro 2012 but said he hoped to be allowed to continue in the job.

"“If you want someone to take responsibility, then it's me, if you wanted to hang someone, hang me," a tired Hamren told a news conference at Sweden's team hotel, a day after a 3-2 defeat by England ended their interest in the competition.

Sweden, who lost their tournament opener to Ukraine, face France in their final Group D game on Tuesday, but cannot qualify for the knockout stage.

“"A good first half yesterday and what was in my eyes a very good second half, and still we lost 3-2. I said yesterday that the margins weren't on our side, offensively or defensively, and they weren't with us yesterday or against Ukraine," Hamren said.

Hamren has won praise for playing a more expansive style than his predecessor Lars Lagerback, but has also been heavily criticized for poor defensive performances and puzzling team selections.

But he pointed to his achievements in club football with Denmark's Aalborg and Norway club Rosenborg and said it took time to affect change.

“"We have something exciting on the go with players who have a different way of playing to the way we played previously. There is hope for Swedish football," he said.

"“You never know if you'll get the chance to keep working. I hope to get the time and possibility to do it."