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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jack Lacey-Hatton

France stars return ahead of Women's World Cup after Herve Renard named manager

France stars Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer have both been recalled to the national squad following Herve Renard's appointment this week.

The Lyon duo return to the set-up following the fracture between former boss Corinne Diacre, who was sacked earlier this month, and several senior players. Centre-back Renard had said in February she was stepping back from the international arena and wanted to preserve her mental health.

By the appointment of namesake Herve Renard, who led the Saudi Arabian men's side at the 2022 World Cup, has led to a return for the French star. Le Sommer was controversially omitted from the Euro 2022 squad, despite being France's all-time top goalscorer, last playing an international back in April 2021.

Like Renard, PSG duo Marie-Antoinette and Kadidiatou Diani both said they were stepping away from international duty last month. However, the new boss did not have the chance to bring them back into the fold with both currently out injured.

Manager Renard's appointment was confirmed on Thursday, following an early release from his contract with the Saudi FA. France face Colombia and Canada in two internationals over the coming weeks.

Wendie Renard, an eight-time Champions League winner with Lyon, announced that she would not play at this summer's World Cup last month. But hopes are now high she will be on the plane to Australia and New Zealand in July as France look to win the tournament for the first time in their history.

The new France manager Herve Renard (Getty Images)

"I have defended the blue, white and red shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism," she wrote on Twitter when making the announcement. "I love France more than anything else, I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system which is far from the requirements of the highest level.

"It is a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team. I will unfortunately not be playing in this World Cup in such conditions.

"My face may hide the pain but my heart is suffering... and I don't want to suffer anymore. Thank you for your support and for respecting my decision."

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