The last two world cups have seen france knocked out in the quarter-finals, so the blues will be looking to advance further for the first ever time.
France qualified as group winners, going unbeaten by winning all 10 of their matches in Group I, scoring 54 goals and conceding just 4 goals. Since qualifying back in September their results have been mixed. Defeats to Sweden and Germany and beating Norway and also winning the tournoi de France.
Amandine Henry has returned to the squad after a three year absence while Delphine Cascarino and Marie-Antoinette Katoto both missed out through injury. They could also be without Lyon Defender Selma Bacha who was stretchered off in a friendly vs Australia. She picked up 2 goals and 9 assists in the league this season and voted Champions league young player of the year in 2022 so will be a big loss if she is too miss out.
One of their key players is captain Wendie Renard, she has been one of the standout players in this side having represented the team 141 times, scoring 34 goals. Her Ariel power is one of her main strengths making her a constant threat from set pieces. The centre back returned to international duty under new manager, Herve Renard who took over this year after falling out with previous manager, Corinne Diacre and refusing to play under her.
Another player who will be key to France’s success and who Renard will rely on is Eugenie Le Sommer, the country’s all time top goal scorer with 89 goals in 179 appearances.
France look ahead to their first game coming up against Jamaica, followed on by their remaining group stage games against Brazil and Panama before the knockout rounds, where the Blues will be hoping to advance further than they have ever done before.
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