LE MANS, FRANCE – APRIL 11: Wendie Renard of France celebrates during an International Women’s … [+]
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, the ninth edition of the tournament, will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. France, under new coach Herve Renard, will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament.
Here are five France players to watch out for:
Wendie Renard
LE MANS, FRANCE – APRIL 11: Wendie Renard #3 of France controls the ball during the International … [+]
Captain Renard has been a key member of the French side, having represented the team 141 times. One of the most decorated players in the women’s game, Renard is known for physical strength, pace and technique.
At 6 feet 2 inches, her aerial prowess and imposing stature makes her a constant threat during set pieces, and her tally of 34 goals for France is a testament to that.
The centre-back returned to the national team under new coach Renard after refusing to play under Corrine Diacre over a conflict over her management.
Amandine Henry
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 07: Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer of France celebrate with the fans … [+]
A fall-out with coach Diacre kept Henry out of the national squad for two years, but the 33-year-old defensive midfielder is back after Renard’s World Cup call-up.
A seven-time European champion with Olympique Lyonnais, Henry’s passing, finishing and excellent dribbling make her a special member of the team.
Having missed last year’s Euros, Henry will be eager to showcase her talent on the biggest stage once again.
Eugenie Le Sommer
TOPSHOT – France’s forward Eugenie Le Sommer celebrates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 … [+]
Like Henry, Le Sommer was also dropped for the Euros last year, but France’s all-time leading scorer is back in the mix now, ready to add more goals to her tally of 88.
A centre-forward for France, she is a formidable player in attack and recently scored twice in their friendly win over Colombia in April.
Le Sommer’s return will be a boost for France.
Kadidiatou Diani
ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Kadidiatou Diani of France celebrates after scoring their team’s first … [+]
Paris St Germain forward Diani ended the 2022-23 as the top scorer, bagging 17 goals for the French club. Diani can play anywhere in the front line, and her speed and agility make her a key player for France.
The 28-year-old has 22 goals in 82 appearances for the France national team and has won the league once and French Cup twice with PSG.
Grace Geyoro
ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Grace Geyoro of France celebrates after scoring their team’s fourth … [+]
Midfielder Geyoro has the potential to be the main player creating chances for France, having become a virtual cog of the team over the years.
The PSG captain is also capable of scoring goals – she won the goal of the season award for her striker against Le Havre in 2021-22.
Geyoro is a versatile player and could be one of the highlights at the tournament if she is given the freedom to play under the new coach.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/manasipathak-1/2023/07/05/womens-world-cup-five-france-players-to-watch/