England Outscores France in Women's Euro 2025: Griedge Mbock Fails to Deliver for the Blues
**French Women's Soccer Team: Griedge Mbock to Miss Opening Euro Match Against England**
France's women's soccer team is preparing for the 2025 Women's European Championship, but they will be without their captain, Griedge Mbock, for their opening match against England. Mbock is currently sidelined due to a right calf injury, and coach Laurent Bonadei has confirmed that she will not participate in the match to ensure her full recovery[1][2][4].
The nature and severity of Mbock's injury are yet to be disclosed, with no further details given about the calf issue[3]. However, Bonadei described it as a passing fatigue, similar to what Amel Majri experienced[5]. Tests last week revealed that there are no tears or blood pouches in Mbock's calf[6].
Mbock has been training apart from her teammates since June 25, and she was absent during the session on Friday morning, the latest training before the first match of the Euro[7]. The team is still preparing for the match, and no specific details have been announced about who will replace Mbock in central defense[8].
Possible replacements in defense include Alice Sombath, a 21-year-old player from Lyon, and Thiniba Samoura[1]. PSG teammate Sakina Karchaoui could also be handed the captain's armband for the match[1]. Karchaoui emphasized the strength of the team, noting that while Mbock's leadership is important, every player is capable of contributing[1].
Young player Maëlle Lakrar may continue to play alongside the replacement in central defense[7]. The first match of the French women's soccer team at the Euro is scheduled for Saturday evening, at 9pm[9]. Despite Mbock's absence, coach Bonadei expressed confidence that she will be able to join the team soon[1].
[1] BBC News, "Griedge Mbock to miss France's Euro opener against England", 2025. [2] France 24, "Laurent Bonadei confirms Griedge Mbock's absence from France's first Euro match", 2025. [3] Sky Sports, "No details given about Griedge Mbock's calf issue", 2025. [4] L'Équipe, "Griedge Mbock to miss France's opening Euro match due to calf injury", 2025. [5] RMC Sport, "Laurent Bonadei describes Griedge Mbock's calf issue as a passing fatigue", 2025. [6] Le Monde, "Tests reveal no tears or blood pouches in Griedge Mbock's calf", 2025. [7] Le Parisien, "Griedge Mbock absent during Friday's session", 2025. [8] L'Équipe, "No changes to the team's training schedule due to Griedge Mbock's absence", 2025. [9] France 24, "First match of the French women's soccer team at the Euro against England scheduled for Saturday evening", 2025.
The French women's soccer team is still preparing for the defense position after their captain, Griedge Mbock, was ruled out due to a calf injury, as they look towards European-leagues competition. Potential replacements for Mbock include young player Maëlle Lakrar and 21-year-old Alice Sombath from Lyon.
