THE ROAD

TO FRANCE

As the host nation, France qualified automatically for the upcoming Women's World Cup and have not played a world finals qualifying match since 2014. Les Bleues have nevertheless been keeping busy; aside from appearing at Women’s EURO 2017, they have played a number of warm-up matches and international tournaments.

THE COACH

Corinne Diacre

As a player, she won 121 caps for France and scored 14 goals, including the one that took Les Bleues to their maiden Women's World Cup in 2003. The first woman to take charge of a professional men’s team in France, Diacre was handed the national team job in August 2017, and has brought her strong character and cool head to bear in reviving the fortunes of France’s golden generation.

THE STAR

Amandine Henry

Has won everything there is to win with Lyon, and has also enjoyed spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Portland Thorns. Though major international trophies have continued to elude her, Henry’s talent, technique, goalscoring ability and sheer presence have become crucial to the French cause and have also seen her take on the role of team captain.