Wendie Renard has captained France since 2021, her second spell as skipper Captain Wendie Renard and all-time leading goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer have been left out of France's 23-player squad for next month's Euro 2025 in Switzerland. France, who are looking to win a major tournament for the first time, will face England in their Euro 2025 opener on 5 July, 20:00 BST. Neither Renard, 34, or Le Sommer, 36, were selected for their Women's Nations League victories over Switzerland and Iceland in the past week - decisions manager Laurent Bonadei said were "not made in the spur of the moment". Centre-back Renard, who has played 168 times for France since making her international debut in 2011, missed three of the past four internationals because of injury. Grace Geyoro, Sakina Karchaoui, Sandie Toletti, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin and Mbock are among those who have worn the captain's armband in Renard's absence. Le Sommer, who has scored a record 94 goals in 200 appearances for France, featured for just 27 minutes of those games, and was due to be honoured last week before the victory over Switzerland in Nancy. After omitting Renard and Le Sommer from his Nations League squad last month, Bonadei said: "As Einstein said: 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.' I want different results for this team so I have gone with a different selection. "It's something I've been thinking about since the start of the season. "When I announced that everyone had a chance, that no one was indispensable, in my mind it wasn't just about giving young players a chance but also players who had suffered psychologically after the Olympic Games and making sure that everyone was involved." France were beaten 1-0 by eventual silver medallists Brazil in the quarter-finals of their home Olympics. The squad features four Women's Super League players - Chelsea duo Sandy Baltimore and Oriane Jean-Francois, Kelly Gago of Everton and Manchester United's Melvine Malard. Former Lyon winger Delphine Cascarino has been recalled to the squad, though she is expected to miss the beginning of tournament preparations because of her schedule with club side San Diego Wave. Goalkeepers:Justine Lerond (Montpellier), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus Turin), Constance Picaud (Fleury) Defenders:Selma Bacha (Lyon), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC), Elisa De Almeida (Paris SG), Maelle Lakrar (Real Madrid), Griedge Mbock (Paris SG), Melween N'Dongala (Paris FC), Thiniba Samoura (Paris SG), Alice Sombath (Lyon) Midfielders:Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Grace Geyoro (Paris SG), Oriane Jean-Francois (Chelsea), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris SG), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandi Toletti (Real Madrid) Forwards:Delphine Cascarino (San Diego), Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon), Kelly Gago (Everton), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Lyon), Melvine Malard (Manchester United), Clara Mateo (Paris FC)
Renard and Le Sommer out of France Euro 2025 squad
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer Excluded from France's Euro 2025 Squad"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Wendie Renard, the captain of the French national women's football team since 2021, along with record goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer, has been excluded from the squad for Euro 2025, which will take place in Switzerland. This decision comes as France aims to secure their first major tournament victory, with their opening match against England scheduled for July 5. Manager Laurent Bonadei explained that the selections were not made lightly, indicating a desire for fresh results after the team's recent performances. Renard, 34, has missed several matches due to injury and did not participate in the Women's Nations League victories against Switzerland and Iceland. Le Sommer, who has an impressive tally of 94 goals in 200 appearances for France, had limited playtime, featuring for only 27 minutes in those games. Bonadei's strategy reflects a shift in approach, emphasizing the need for a different selection to improve the team’s outcomes.
The squad for Euro 2025 includes several notable players, including four from the Women's Super League: Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore and Oriane Jean-Francois, Kelly Gago from Everton, and Melvine Malard of Manchester United. Additionally, former Lyon winger Delphine Cascarino has been recalled, although she is expected to miss initial preparations due to her commitments with the San Diego Wave. Despite the absence of Renard and Le Sommer, the team features a mix of experienced and younger players, including Grace Geyoro and Sakina Karchaoui. Bonadei's decision to diversify the squad is aimed at rejuvenating the team's performance following their disappointing quarter-final exit at the recent Olympic Games, where they lost to Brazil. With these changes, France hopes to establish a stronger presence in the tournament and advance further than ever before.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights a significant shift in the French women's national football team, specifically the exclusion of two prominent players, Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer, from the squad for Euro 2025. This decision by manager Laurent Bonadei comes after a series of performances that failed to meet the team's aspirations, particularly following their quarter-final exit at the Tokyo Olympics.
Implications of Player Selection
The exclusion of Renard, the team captain and a veteran player, alongside Le Sommer, the all-time leading goalscorer, suggests a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing the team. Bonadei's remarks about wanting "different results" indicate a potential desire to inject fresh energy and talent into the squad. This could be perceived as a necessary step towards overcoming psychological barriers and fostering a competitive spirit among younger players.
Public Perception and Community Reaction
The article may aim to create a narrative of renewal and hope for the French women's team ahead of a major tournament. By emphasizing the manager’s thought process and his references to Einstein, it seeks to justify the decisions made, portraying them as calculated rather than arbitrary. The response from the football community could vary, with some supporting the move for the inclusion of younger players while others may view it as a dismissal of seasoned leaders.
Underlying Topics and Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on player selection, it could also mask broader issues within the team's dynamics, such as the mental health challenges faced by players post-Olympics. The mention of players who have taken the captain's armband in Renard's absence suggests an ongoing evaluation of leadership within the team, hinting at potential instability or conflict that could be more significant than reported.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
When comparing this news with other sports reports, it reflects a trend of teams making bold decisions to redefine their strategies, especially after underperforming in major tournaments. This article fits into a larger context of sports narratives that prioritize innovation and change, possibly encouraging similar decisions in other national teams or leagues.
Impact on Society and Economy
The implications of this article extend beyond sports, as it may influence public interest and investment in women's football, potentially affecting sponsorship and media coverage. If the team performs well in Euro 2025 despite these changes, it could enhance the profile of women's sports, leading to economic benefits.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article likely resonates with fans of women's football, particularly those who support progressive changes in team dynamics. It may appeal to a demographic that values both the history of the sport and the potential for new talent to emerge, thus bridging generational gaps in fan support.
Market Influence and Stock Relevance
While this news primarily pertains to sports, it may indirectly impact companies associated with women's sports, such as sponsors or merchandise sellers. Positive performances by the French team could lead to increased sales and sponsorship opportunities, influencing stock performance for those companies involved.
Global Context and Current Relevance
The exclusion of key players in a major tournament context reflects larger themes in global sports, including the balance between experience and youth. As women's sports gain traction worldwide, this decision may also resonate with ongoing discussions about gender equality and representation in sports.
AI Usage in News Reporting
It’s conceivable that AI tools could assist in structuring and analyzing the report, particularly in the data-driven aspects such as player statistics and historical comparisons. However, the narrative style and decision-making quotes suggest human oversight in crafting a compelling story.
Considering the analysis above, the reliability of the news is moderate. While it reports factual details about player selection and quotes from the manager, the potential for bias towards a narrative of change and renewal could influence how the information is perceived.