Former French national team captain, Amandine Henry, has made a remarkable return to the squad after a two-year absence, securing a spot in France’s provisional 26-player lineup for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Henry, who recently signed with NWSL side Angel City after an illustrious 15-year career with French club Lyon, boasts an impressive record of 93 international appearances. Her last game for France dates back to December 2020, following a falling out with former coach Corinne Diacre.
Despite nursing a shoulder injury, Paris St-Germain striker Kadidiatou Diani has also earned her place in the squad. However, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino have unfortunately been excluded due to injuries.
France will commence their World Cup campaign against Jamaica on July 23rd. The team made headlines in March when former coach Diacre was dismissed following the announcement by several key players, including captain Wendie Renard, that they would no longer represent their country.
Herve Renard, Diacre’s replacement, wasted no time in including Renard and reinstating France’s all-time leading goalscorer, Eugenie Le Sommer, who was previously left out of the Euro 2022 squad under the former manager.
Both defender Wendie Renard and her Lyon teammate Le Sommer, aged 32 and 34 respectively, have secured their positions in the World Cup squad for the upcoming tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Other notable players named in the squad include Estelle Cascarino and Aissatou Tounkara from Manchester United, Eve Perisset from Chelsea, Kenza Dali from Aston Villa, and Viviane Asseyi from West Ham.
The final squad selection, which must be reduced to 23 players, is expected to be announced by July 9th.
France Squad for the Women’s World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Mylene Chavas (Bordeaux), Solene Durand (Guingamp), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus), Constance Picaud (PSG).
Defenders: Selma Bacha (Lyon), Estelle Cascarino (Manchester United), Elisa De Almeida (PSG), Sakina Karchaoui (PSG), Maelle Lakrar (Montpellier), Eve Perisset (Chelsea), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Aissatou Tounkara (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Kenza Dali (Aston Villa), Laurina Fazer (PSG), Grace Geyoro (PSG), Amandine Henry (Angel City), Oriane Jean-Francois (PSG), Lea Le Garrec (FC Fleury), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Viviane Asseyi (West Ham), Vicki Becho (Lyon), Kadidiatou Diani (PSG), Naomie Feller (Real Madrid), Eugenie Le Sommer (Lyon), Clara Mateo (Paris FC).
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Finally, Amandine Henry is back where she belongs, representing France in the Women’s World Cup. She’s such a talented midfielder, and her experience will be crucial for the team. It’s a shame about Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino missing out due to injuries, though. Wishing them a speedy recovery. Let’s hope France can make a strong start against Jamaica and go all the way in the tournament! #AllezLesBleues