‘Renewal’ and ‘Dynamism’: With his 26-man squad, Hervé Renard launches the Women’s World Cup

“I am delighted to be here to unveil the first plans and present ourselves at this World Cup.” For Hervé Renard, who was appointed coach of the French women’s team at the end of March, the first big day took place on Tuesday at the headquarters of equipment manufacturer Les Bleues, in a beautiful Parisian building near the Champs-Elysées. The 54-year-old has revealed his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (20 July – 20 August). A group composed to live together for weeks on end.

Amandine Henry returns to Young Power

The return of Amandine Henry, an experienced midfielder thanks to 93 selections in the blue, was the only real question on this list. She will be there, unsurprisingly, because already Hervé Renard wanted to contact her at the beginning of April in the same way as another “exile” of the Corinne Deacon era, Eugenie Le Somer. “You knew my intentions,” he explains. An injury prevented him from entering the first stage. But we accompanied her until she was ready for this start of preparation.” Another important return: the return of Kadidiatou Diani, the star attacker, is currently in full physical condition after breaking his right collarbone. “It won’t be a problem,” says Hervé Renard.

The former Saudi national team coach also rejuvenated his group with the presence of Naomi Feller (21 years, 3 caps), Vicky Picchu (19 years, 0 caps), Lorena Viser (19 years, 2 caps) or Orienne Jean-Francois (21 years, 0 caps). 3 choices). The first and second are part of the “novelties”, and they were not called up in April, just like Asato Tounkara in defence, Solene Durand in goalkeeper and, accordingly, Amandine Henry. “These are young girls who can bring their dynamism, versatility and enthusiasm. The goal is also renewal, ”summarizes Hervé Renard.

In the absence of Baltimore and Al Hamraoui, three players will be leaving

Of the 26 called up, there were 21 already in April. outgoing? Olimata Sarr (Paris FC), Melvin Mallard, Delphine Cascarino (OL), Haoua Sissoko (West Ham), Magou Doukouré, Kissia Bossy (Reims) and Sandy Baltimore (Paris Saint-Germain). Only the options, except Cascarino, are affected in the cruciate ligament of the knee. For Baltimore, the penalty kick feels heavy but his season in Paris was more than average and his presence in the final meeting didn’t satisfy. “I’ve seen a lot of PSG matches and other players seem more suitable to me to be on the list,” admits Hervé Renard.

The coach of the French national team stated that he called “five players” on Tuesday morning to announce their absence from the group. Khaira Hamraoui is one of them. Renard explains: “I told him the decision was mathematical and that it was 100% mine. The talks were short but we put ourselves in their shoes. It was my duty to bear.” Just as three players will be assumed to be gone before the competition begins. There will be one less goalkeeper (Chavas or Durand). For the rest, selection will take place at the end of the preparations, from 20 June to 7 July in Europe before leaving for Oceania.

Television rights are still a concern

Finally, the still pending issue of broadcasting the World Cup on French soil took up space. “I think we will come to a consensus,” said Hervé Renard. I’m sure it will be broadcast. I am confident that the protagonists will make it all right. We should have found this anchor a long time ago, but we hope next week will be positive. We stay focused on preparation. In the hope that the French spectators will be able to watch this World Cup.

One thing is certain, despite the injuries and withdrawals of Katoto, Mbok and Cascarino, “the goal has not changed”, recalls Hervé Renard. It is semi-final at least. France could miss if no agreement is reached between the broadcasters and FIFA.