Hervé Renard had some scares last Friday. Installed in the stands of Groupama Stadium, the coach saw up close the clashes between French internationals during the first final of D1 Arkema, won by OL ahead of PSG (2-1). But he has been reassured by the last few days and he should not count on any major package for the list that he will announce this Wednesday noon with a view to the two qualifying matches for Euro 2025 scheduled for May 31 and June 4 against England.
Apart from the long-term injured Eugénie Le Sommer and Oriane Jean-François (knee), Hervé Renard should be able to count on all the strengths of the France group, including Griedge Mbock, back in training after an injury to thigh. The defender should be present in the Lyon group which will play the final of the Champions League, this Saturday, May 25, in Bilbao (Spain) against FC Barcelona. More or less jostled during the D1 final, Kadidiatou Diani, Grace Geyoro or Marie-Antoinette Katoto are doing well.
All the usual big names from Les Bleues are therefore expected. The question of the presence or not of Amel Majri arises after the good performances of the Lyon attacking midfielder at the end of the season. Not called in April, the thirty-year-old had expressed her public annoyance towards Hervé Renard. He replied not to “close the door to anyone”. Clara Matéo, scorer in the D1 small final with Paris FC, was also absent from the last list. But Le Sommer’s package opens a door.
For the Olympics, see you at the beginning of July?
Who could well open up for the young Paris FC striker, Louna Ribadeira. The 19-year-old Franco-Portuguese striker, voted best prospect during the UNFP trophies, should be among those called up this Wednesday. A new reward for the one who scored 8 goals in 10 starts in D1 this season.
This will be Hervé Renard’s antepenultimate list before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26 – August 10). Les Bleues must confirm their good start to the qualifying campaign for Euro 2025 (2 victories against Ireland and Sweden) facing a big player: England, European champion in 2022. After these two matches, played at Newcastle on May 31 and Saint-Étienne on June 4, the players will be entitled to a rest period of approximately 15 days.
Hervé Renard will announce around June 20 a new list of summons for the last two qualifying matches for the Euro (July 12 and 16) for preparation which will begin on June 24 or 25. A group which will be further expanded to 23 or 24 players before revealing the 18 names for the Olympic adventure, to which will be added four reservists who will remain with the group. An announcement that the coach wants to make as late as possible, probably at the beginning of July. FIFA has set July 8 as the deadline for sending Olympic lists.
