In-form and with a new generation in the ascent, can France at long last deliver on their enormous potential and conquer Europe?
What to expect
Yet again, the French are among the top favourites going into a major tournament, but can they at last walk the talk and come good on the big stage? They have never won the European championship, the World Cup or the Olympic Games.
Under Herve Renard, in Paris, the French exited the home Olympic Games against eventual finalists Brazil in the last eight, but this time the omens are good: they have been in-form winning all of their Nations League group-stage matches and were the first to clinch their ticket for Euro 2025.
They won their last two warm-up matches, 3-2 against Brazil and 5-0 against Belgium. Laurent Bonadei, Renard’s assistant, has stepped in and dropped some of the old guard in a daring move.
He left out the captain, Wendie Renard, the vice-captain Eugénie Le Sommer, France’s most capped player, and Kenza Dali. Instead, he is trusting younger players and promoted Griedge Mbock of PSG as the new captain. Mbock and Maëlle Lakrar form the heart of defence while France has enough class up front.
At the same time, this team doesn’t have major stars. Bonadei has been level-headed by calling France outsiders for the tournament. It’s perhaps the best way to describe a team that is replete with talent, in transition, but so often fails when it really matters. It’s a side that could easily win the tournament but just as well exit in the group stages. Reigning champions England, Euro 2017 winners the Netherlands and Wales will provide a stern test in Group D. They open their campaign against the English, the first litmus test of a summer that could be very short – or triumphant.
Star Player
Sakina Karchaoui (Paris Saint-Germain) – Influential vice-captain. With almost 90 caps under her belt, her experience will be invaluable. A starter at Euro 2022 and the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Deployed in midfield rather than at full-back. Won the Champions League with Lyon in 2020.
Head Coach
Laurent Bonadei was promoted after serving as Herve Renard’s assistant at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games. He was also Renard’s number two with Saudi Arabia. His team line up in a classic 4-3-3 formation after ditching a more daring 3-4-3 approach. Previous experience with PSG’s youth team and Nice’s reserve team.
Schedule
July 5, 2025: vs England – Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, 9 pm
July 9, 2025: vs Wales – Arena St. Gallen, St. Gallen 9 pm
July 13, 2025: vs Netherlands – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, 9 pm