World Cup 2023: Amandine Henry has called up Les Bleues, who are gaining World Cup experience.

In conducting selection, the collective interest is the guiding principle that should dictate its choice. Hervé Renard, who has been at the head of the French women’s team since March, understood this well. Faced with a spate of injuries and uncertainty over the form of some players in tricolor, the coach announced a provisional list of 26 players at the headquarters of the French Football Federation and Les Bleues kit supplier Nike on Tuesday, including. who will have to remove three names on the flight to Australia. Against the background of the mild winter of the southern hemisphere, the French national team will play the 2023 World Cup from July 20 to August 20.

The unfortunates – the goalkeeper and two outfield players – will be removed from the roster after training camp, which begins on June 20 at the center of Clairfontein (Yvelin). It is reminiscent of Aimé Jacquet’s selection, who released six players at the last minute before the World Cup in France in 1998. The latter then decided to leave Clairfontein in the middle of the night and this episode revealed French football – eventually crowning the world champions.

In order to avoid such a psychodrama, Herve Renard will have to show diplomacy and be a little more calm than his predecessor. “Unlike men’s football, the women’s World Cup roster is 23 playersRenard explained, Thus, the group will remain refined after the first 15 days at Clairefontaine to begin this preparation. »

No Kheira Hamraoui, “sporting decision”

Deprived of the talent and experience of Marie-Antoinette Catoto, Gridge M’Boc and Delphine Cascarino – all with knee injuries – Les Bleues boss opted to recall Amandine Henry. The 33-year-old northerner with 93 caps has not been selected since December 2020 due to an open conflict with former coach Corin Deacon.

Characteristic midfielder Henry has gone through difficult last months. He hasn’t played since March. However, after suffering an injury a few weeks ago, he has only been training since then. His relationship with Olympique Lyonnais deteriorated and he was not allowed to join the American franchise of Angel City (Los Angeles) before the end of his contract. Also during a period of illness due to personal reasons, he attended the French 1st Division Lyon double cup from afar.

As soon as he took over, Hervé Renard showed his affection and invited him as a privileged spectator to the France-Colombia match at Clermont-Ferrand in April when Henry was still injured. “I’m here to bring everyone together, that’s my way of doing it”, he explained. On Tuesday, he developed: “We tried to get very close to him so that he would be ready to start this training. »

The return of Amandine Henry dashed the last hopes of another 33-year-old midfielder, Kheira Hamraoui. Attacking in November 2021, the player announced on May 28 that he is leaving PSG, with whom he has played a lot this season. Deacon recalled him in February 2023 during the Tour de France, despite his very poor relationship with Paris team-mates and Blues executives Kadidiatou Dian and Marie-Antoinette Catoto – co-accused in the case with former PSG player Aminata Diallo. “I told him that the decision was sporting and one hundred percent from my side– claimed the coach. No one would talk to me about anything. I decided in my soul and conscience. »

Experience Bonus for Aligning the Stars

Herve Renard gained more experience elsewhere. Returning to Les Bleues in March to celebrate 87 years after a two-year absence^e and 88^e International goalscorer Eugene Le Sommer (34) will be a big card with the attacking packages of Catoto and Cascarino. Lionel has to support Paris Saint-Germain’s Kadidiatou Dian, who suffered a shoulder injury at the end of March and has not played since.

At 28, the irreplaceable Dian should be available for France’s first match against Jamaica in Sydney on July 22. “He has a little time left. We gave the rest of the players a two-week breakthe coach analyzed Qadi will have a personalized program and will not have any cuts, this will allow him to prepare a little more. I think there will be no problem. »

At the helm of the upheaval that led to Deacon’s departure and the appointment of his accomplice, Wendy Renard, 32, will be head of security and team captain. Like Le Sommer, Martiniquez will be playing in his fourth World Cup. “He is the one who best embodies this role with his experience, expertise, charisma and presence on the field. Discussions are not available”The coach revealed it at the end of May the world.

In attack, compensation for the withdrawal of Catoto and Cascarino – “A big loss for the French team”According to him, Herve Renard called two young players, Naomi Feller from Real Madrid (21 years old) and Vicky Bechos from Lyon Olympique (19 years old). “They are young and very versatile. It’s important to us…” They will have to take chances during preparation.

A double African champion with Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire, Herve Renard chose to join women’s football, especially for the pleasure of playing at the World Cup and next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. In Australia, he will play his second World Cup eight months after the men’s 2022, where he led Saudi Arabia.

His challenge is huge: to finally win Les Bleues, who have never won a title in the main competition. “You have to take that psychological challengehe started the world in the spring Before becoming world champions in 1998, the Blues failed to reach the semi-finals of major competitions. You have to keep trying. All stars must be well aligned, we will try to align them as much as possible. »