Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted he doesn’t know if he will continue to play for his country after Switzerland were knocked out of the World Cup by Sweden.

The defender, and captain of his national team, missed the game as he was suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

His team certainly missed him as they struggled to break down a resolute Swedish defence, particularly with crosses from the flanks.

Speaking to the media after the game, Lichsteiner admitted that he is considering calling it quits when it comes to international football, although he has not made his mind up one way or the other.

“I will start after the holidays at Arsenal and then decide whether to continue in the national team or not,” Lichtsteiner said.

Switzerland's defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (R) receives a yellow card from French referee Clement Turpin during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Switzerland and Costa Rica at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod on June 27, 2018. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP)
Switzerland’s defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (R) receives a yellow card from French referee Clement Turpin during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Switzerland and Costa Rica at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod on June 27, 2018. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP)

“The qualification was outstanding, the tournament was good too, we had a high level. If you’re not 100 per cent ready for a knockout round, that’s not enough.

“It was hard to just watch. But that’s part of having to watch if you see yellow twice.

“Sweden was an opponent who took the pace out of the game. It was very difficult to play against them. Germany had to fight with that too.

“In the future, we will have to invest more in order to win such games.

“Everyone did what they want [after elimination]. The players had to deal with the disappointment individually. I was with players and staff together and we talked about it. It was an evening of workmanship.

“I’ll do my analysis on how to proceed with the national team. Today I will not definitely say yes or no.

“All knockout rounds were different, we were close to Argentina, against Poland it was bitter, yesterday we did not deserve it.”

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Stephan Lichtsteiner of Switzerland speaks with Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Switzerland at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Stephan Lichtsteiner of Switzerland speaks with Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Switzerland at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Lichtsteiner will wear the number 12 shirt for Arsenal, and Unai Emery gave his thoughts on the player to the club website.

“Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad,” he said. “He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”