🇫🇷 France: How they shape up for Women's EURO 2025 | OneFootball

France's women's team is facing the 2025 European Championship in a period of transition, led by Laurent Bonadei after Hervé Renard's departure.

In a demanding group with England, the Netherlands, and Wales, the Bleues combine youth and talent to overcome their history of stumbling in major tournaments.

What are France's strengths?

France shines with its dizzying attack, led by Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani, who bring overflow, speed, and goals, backed by a deep squad that allows Bonadei to maintain intensity with quality changes; the midfield, with Grace Geyoro as the axis, offers balance between recovery and creation, while the defense, reinforced by Griedge Mbock, and the security of Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in goal guarantee solidity against various playing styles in a flexible 4-3-3.

What are France's weaknesses?

France's main weakness is its lack of effectiveness in key moments, a recurring problem in previous tournaments where they have missed clear chances against compact defenses; the offensive dependence on Katoto, without a clear plan B in the attack, and the pressure to achieve their first international title could affect a team in renovation, especially after losing the leadership of several veterans on the field.

Notable absences

France's call-up surprises with the exclusion of Wendie Renard, former captain and defensive reference, Amandine Henry, midfield leader, Eugénie Le Sommer, all-time top scorer, and Kenza Dali, key in creation; these decisions by Bonadei reflect a generational change, depriving the team of experience in a crucial tournament, although the presence of other players partially compensates for these losses.

The team's star

At 26 years old, Marie-Antoinette Katoto is France's undisputed star; the PSG striker, with over 30 goals in the 2024-25 season, combines power, marking, and a lethal goal-scoring instinct, being a constant threat to rival defenses and a key piece for the Bleues' aspirations in the European Championship.

A player to watch

Grace Geyoro, 27, consolidates herself as the heart of the French midfield; the PSG player stands out for recovering balls, breaking lines with precise passes, and arriving in the area, assuming a leading role after the absences of Henry and Dali, making her an essential figure to connect defense with attack in this tournament.

Possible starting eleven

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 FRANCOIS LO PRESTI - AFP or licensors