Sweden v Northern Ireland: You want to test yourself against the best - Brodie Spencer

Northern Ireland defender Brodie Spencer says he is looking forward to testing himself “against the best” ahead of Tuesday’s friendly in Sweden.

Michael O’Neill’s young side drew with Switzerland on Friday as their positive run of form continued.

After topping their Nations League group, Northern Ireland have now lost just two of their last 11 matches.

While Sporting striker Victor Gyokeres is expected to be out, Newcastle forward Alexander Isak is in a strong Swedish squad for Tuesday’s game.

“You want to play against the best, to test yourself and see where that puts you,” Spencer said on playing top-tier opponents.

“Especially being a young defender, so to have that challenge so early in my career would be amazing for me.”

After Isaac Price’s superb opener was cancelled out by Vincent Sierro, Spencer said Northern Ireland were “happy” with a draw against Switzerland but “we could have got a bit more out of the game”.

With Isak and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga leading the line, Sweden suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Luxembourg on Friday ahead of Tuesday’s match with NI.

Spencer believes the friendly in Stockholm, which will be the latest friendly in preparation for the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying in September, will be “quite similar” to facing the Swiss.

“It will be a tough game and a game full of concentration,” said the Huddersfield Town full back.

“It will be a game full of important moments, and hopefully we can go out and put on a good performance again.

“We knew we had to try and kick on from the Nations League. Being able to top the group was a great experience for us all. We’re really starting to kick on.”

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