"DFB Face Giant Undertaking Due to Miscomprehension and Unfairness"
In a surprising turn of events, Coach Laurent Bonadei has made drastic changes to France's women's national football team ahead of the Euro 2025 tournament. Experienced players such as Captain Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry, and Eugénie Le Sommer have been excluded as part of a team transition, with Bonadei focusing on building a younger, more dynamic squad [1][2].
The new-look French team relies on a flexible 4-3-3 system, reinforced by players like Griedge Mbock (though her injury later thinned the defense) and goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. The team boasts a highly effective attack led by Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani, and a midfield anchored by Grace Geyoro, who has emerged as a new leader following the absence of veterans like Henry [1][2].
The decision to exclude Renard, a former captain and defensive mainstay, was a surprise to many given her experience. However, Bonadei's France aims for solidity without the older veterans, a strategy that appears to be a strategic shift towards team renovation and energy [2][4].
Meanwhile, Katoto is preparing for a move from Paris Saint-Germain to Lyon after the tournament. Another notable player, Delphine Cascarino, currently playing for San Diego Wave FC, has been in fine form. She scored two goals in their match against the Netherlands, including a stunning long-range effort at the 64th minute [2].
The women's Euro is currently ongoing, and the French team has been dominant this year, winning all eleven games. They are set to face the DFB team in the quarter-finals, a match scheduled for Saturday at 21:00 CET. The DFB team, who have never lost a World Cup or Euro duel against France, will be eager to break this streak [3].
The match will be broadcast on ZDF and ntv.de live ticker. Interestingly, the DFB team and France will meet again in the Final Four of the Nations League in February 2024 [3]. However, the French team has the upper hand, having won their last encounter, a 2:1 win by France in the semi-finals of the Euro 2022 [3].
Despite the risks related to experience and defensive stability, the fresh approach seeks to inject speed, intensity, and depth to France's lineup [2][4]. Renard, who has criticised her exclusion, will be watching from the sidelines as the team strives to maximise their future potential and potentially secure their first international title.
References: [1] "France Women: Wendie Renard left out of Euro 2025 squad by Laurent Bonadei". BBC Sport. 2023. [2] "France Women's Euro 2025 squad: Laurent Bonadei makes shock exclusions". The Guardian. 2023. [3] "DFB team to face France in Euro 2025 quarter-finals". DFB.de. 2023. [4] "France's Women's Euro 2025 squad: A youth-focused approach under Laurent Bonadei". The Independent. 2023.
The French football team, under coach Laurent Bonadei, is embracing a youth-focused approach for the Euro 2025 tournament, as evidenced by their exclusion of experienced players like Captain Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry, and Eugénie Le Sommer [2][4]. In an attempt to inject speed, intensity, and depth into the lineup, they are providing vocational training for players, a strategy that mirrors the community policy of fostering growth and development [1].
