France’s new head coach Herve Renard has named Wendie Renard in his first squad, even though she previously announced her intention to ‘step back’ from the national team
Despite announcing that she would step back from the national team, Wendie Renard has been included in the first squad of new France coach Herve Renard.
The Lyon defender had released a statement in February declaring that she would not participate in this summer’s World Cup. She cited the current system as being inadequate for the highest level of competition.
After the French Football Federation underwent changes in leadership with Noel Le Graet resigning and Corinne Diacre being relieved of her duties, Herve Renard was appointed as the new head coach of the French women’s team on March 30.
Despite Wendie Renard’s statement in February that she would not play at the upcoming World Cup due to issues with the current system, the new coach has included her in his first squad.
Herve Renard praises his namesake’s ‘incomparable experience’
In addition to Wendie Renard, Herve Renard’s first squad also includes Eugenie Le Sommer. Le Sommer is France’s all-time top goal-scorer, but she has not played for the national team since April 2021.
“She has incomparable experience,” the new coach said. “We need her experience and her intelligence.”
Renard also spoke about Amandine Henry, the classy Lyon midfielder who was last called up by Diacre in November 2020. She is currently injured but the coach explained that he had called her, adding: “She is one of the players likely to be shortlisted for the World Cup.”
Both PSG forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani had also made themselves unavailable for the national team. Katoto is recovering from an ACL rupture. Diani sustained an injury earlier this week that will keep her out of the current camp. However, both players are expected to be back in the squad once they are fit.
Asked about Katoto, Herve Renard said: “She is an important player in this France team. My wish is that she is with us for the World Cup. I will meet her in the next few days.”
