🇫🇷 WWC Preview: Big changes make for unpredictable France | OneFootball

Our closer look at the contenders for the crown at this summer’s World Cup continues with the spotlight on France.

See all of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.

The Nuts and Bolts 🛠

Group F

France are in Group F alongside Copa América winners Brazil, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz and tournament debutants Panama.

They are fully expected to navigate the opening phase with little fuss.

Women’s World Cup pedigree

This is Les Bleus’ fifth World Cup but they’ve never been beyond the quarter-final stage before, reaching that stage in each of the past three editions.

Last time out, they were narrowly beaten by eventual champions the USA.

Can you tell me a bit about the manager?

In March, France parted ways with previous manager Corinne Diacre, who players revolted against and refused to play under, leading to the French Football Federation dismissing her after six years in the post.

Herve Renard has taken over and although he has never coached in women’s football before, he does have previous World Cup experience in the men’s game, leading Morocco to Russia in 2018 and Saudi Arabia in Qatar last year.

The Ones to Watch 💥

Key Player: Wendie Renard (Lyon)

A French footballing institution with over 140 caps for her country, the captain initially opted against taking part this summer if Diacre had remained in charge but her departure has opened the door for the centre-back’s return.

Renard, who plays her club football with Lyon, is as composed and reliable a defensive presence as there is in the game, while also posing a considerable goal threat from set-pieces at the other end.

Particularly after Amandine Henry’s devastating injury on the eve of the tournament, she is now the one player her side cannot do without.

Young Player: Vicki Bècho (Lyon)

The Lyon spark plug is just 19 but showed enough glimpses of her quality despite limited opportunities last season and although she is unlikely to start, the versatile attacker has the ability to cause problems for anyone off the bench late in games and could be an interesting wild card at Renard’s disposal.

Her rise has been rapid, representing France’s U20 side at the age of 15 and winning the U19 European Championship at 16 so it should be no great shock to see her graduate to the biggest stage while still in her teens.

Surprise Package: Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid)

Due to the aforementioned injury to Henry which has deprived her of winning her first cap in two-and-a-half years, the onus is now on others in France’s midfield to step up and ensure she won’t be missed too much.

The Real Madrid midfielder is set to be given the keys to the engine room, flanked by Grace Geyoro and Kenza Dali – a big responsibility and all eyes will be on her to see how she fares along with her colleagues in the centre of the park.

The Talking Point 🗞

One of the main beneficiaries from the change of management is Eugénie Le Sommer, the country’s all-time leading goalscorer who remains France’s biggest scoring threat even at 34.

She had a difficult relationship with Diacre and went almost two years without playing for France before returning in the build-up to the World Cup, scoring three times already under the Renard regime.

But can she carry that form into the World Cup? With Delphine Cascarino and Marie-Antoinette Katoto unavailable for the competition, the nation’s scoring prospects rest firmly on their veteran’s shoulders.

The Likely XI 🔎

(4-3-3): Peyraud Magnin; Lakrar, Renard, Cascarino, Karchaoui; Geyoro, Toletti, Dali; Diani, Le Sommer, Bacha.

The Prediction 🔮

For several key players who have formed the cornerstone of the side for so long, this represents the last realistic chance of success on the global stage.

The side are capable of a good run and their starting line-up can rival many of the contenders for the crown but a semi-final finish may be their limit.

See the rest of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.