“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.
It is a quote generally attributed to Albert Einstein – but one that has recently been used by the France women’s national team manager.
GettyFrance have made big changes ahead of Euro 2025, including leaving out Wendie Renard[/caption]Why? Well, because boss Laurent Bonadei is definitely not doing ‘the same thing’ when it comes to his squad selection for Euro 2025.
France have long been one of the big hitters of the women’s football world, but their record at major tournaments does not back that status up.
They have never won a major tournament – in fact, they have never even made it to the final of a major tournament.
So this time around, the manager has decided it is time to switch things up in a bid to ensure that France finally add some silverware to the name.
He has taken the decision to leave behind three players who, for so long, have made up the spine of the team.
Wendie Renard, the long-time captain who has scored 39 goals in 168 appearances and who has won no less than eight Champions League titles with Lyon.
Eugenie Le Sommer, France’s all-time top goal-scorer who likewise has eight Champions League trophies.
Kenza Dali, the veteran midfielder who has been a key part of the international setup for over ten years, having accumulated 76 caps in the process.
All three will not feature in the France squad at Euro 2025 – but their omission has been anything but simple.
Speaking to The Guardian after the squad was announced, Dali sent shockwaves with her reaction to the announcement.
GettyFrance Head Coach Bonadei hasn’t be afraid to make big calls[/caption] GettyLe Sommer has been snubbed like Renard[/caption]“I will tell my side of the story after the Euros, for only one reason – it’s because I have too much respect for my teammates to put the spotlight on a decision that is difficult to accept because I think there are a lot of lies,” she said.
“I really hope they do well. I have too much respect for the jersey to put out my side of the story now.
“I know it’s going to be everywhere and they are preparing for the Euros and I don’t want to disturb that.
“But it’s difficult for me because I’ve been playing maybe some of my best football. It’s really difficult to digest because there are a lot of lies in the story that’s been told but I will tell my side after the Euros.”
What might this mean for England?
France’s squad turmoil is one that could directly affect the hopes of the Lionesses when it comes to defending their Euro 2025 title.
GettyThe Lionesses have a tough first game, before then facing the Netherlands and Wales too[/caption]They open their campaign against the French on Saturday 5 July in Zurich, live on talkSPORT.
France have proved a tough enemy for England in the past – of their 17 historical meetings, France have won eight while England have only won three.
But one of those three wins did come in 2024 in their Euro qualification campaign.
Having been beaten 2-1 by France in the first qualifying tie, the Lionesses turned things around and beat them by the same score-line in the return march.
And even without those three stars, Les Bleus have got huge potential to get another one over England in Zurich.
Someone who is being tipped as a potential game changer at this tournament is Sandy Baltimore.
WSL fans will already know just how good she is as she’s been a revelation at Chelsea this season, most memorably scoring twice in the FA Cup final.
What’s so frightening about her is that she used to play as a striker for PSG, but for Chelsea she’s been playing as a left-back to equally good effect.
Diani has proved a menace to more than one backlineGetty Images - Getty Malard will be familiar to WSL fans, as she has starred for Man UnitedShe is joined by the likes of super striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, the speedy Kadidiatou Diani who brings pace and physicality and Man United’s Melvine Malard who offers smart movement and big-game experience.And with Renard out, it’s PSG defender Griedge Mbock Bathy who will wear the armband. And though she may not yet be one of the front page names of this team, but with six Champions League titles to her name, she’s definitely got the experience to take them to new heights.
Tactically, France are flexible — shifting between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for England could be the pace they have – the Lionesses’ defence is strong, but not necessarily as rapid as France’s attack.
It will fall to the likes of Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter to ensure that they do not let themselves be outrun on the night.
England must keep on their toes to ensure it is the French who leave this match feeling ‘bleu’ – not them.
France vs England at Euro 2025 is live on talkSPORT at 8pm on Saturday 5 July.
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