France Focuses on Team Unity Ahead of Women's Euro Match Against England

France's women’s football team is staying focused and united as they prepare to face England in their opening match of the Women’s Euro group stage in Zurich on Saturday. This comes despite the absence of two key players — former captain Wendie Renard and top scorer Eugenie Le Sommer — who were not selected for the tournament squad.

Coach Laurent Bonadei defended his choices, saying he may rotate players throughout the competition to increase their chances of winning their first major title. “Every player in this squad has an important role,” he said. “The starting 11 for the England match won’t be the same as the one for the Wales game.”

France is placed in Group D alongside England, Wales, and the Netherlands. Only the top two teams from the group will move forward to the knockout stage. Bonadei confirmed that his new captain, Griege Mbock, is likely to miss the match due to injury.

Midfielder Sakina Karchaoui shared that the team remains strong despite recent changes. “We support each other and have built a solid group,” she said. “Now it's time to prove what we’re capable of as a team.”