France aiming for united front in Womens Euro clash with England

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FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Womens Nations League - League A - France v Iceland - Marie Marvingt Stadium, Le Mans, France - February 25, 2025 France coach Laurent Bonadei REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

ZURICH - France will put on a united front when they play England in their Womens Euro group opener in Zurich on Saturday, the team said on Friday, despite former captain Wendie Renard and record goal-scorer Eugenie Le Sommer being left out of the tournament squad.

Coach Laurent Bonadei, who has spent a lot of time defending his decision not to bring the duo to Switzerland, told reporters he would be rotating his team at the Euros if that is what it took to end their wait for an elusive first major trophy.

In my mind, all the players who are part of this group have their chance to bring their stone to the building of this team, he said. Tomorrow there will be 11 players who will start this match but I can already tell you that those who will start the match against Wales will be different.

France are drawn in Group D with England, Wales and Netherlands, with the top two going through to the knockout stage.

Bonadeis new captain Griege Mbock is set to miss the game through injury but the French have sought to foster a strong mentality in which every player is ready to step up, regardless of age or experience.

Its true that there have