France’s Women’s Team Prepares for Euro 2025 with Decisive Victory Over Belgium

VALENCIENNES – With Euro 2025 on the horizon, the French women’s national team showcased their readiness with a dominant 5-0 victory over Belgium in a friendly match held at the Hainaut stadium on June 20, 2025. This match served as a crucial part of their preparation for the upcoming European championships in Switzerland, scheduled from July 2 to 27.

The french team, under coach Laurent Bonadei, demonstrated their capabilities against a Belgian side that also qualified for the European tournament. This victory came fifteen days before their opening match against England on July 5,providing a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and assess player fitness after an intense ten-day training camp focused on physical conditioning.

“Satisfied to finish the match without injured,” welcomed Bonadei. “The players have given a lot for ten days. I knew we were going to play with fatigue. It is a good thing to play this match at that time of the preparation.”

Malard’s Hat-Trick Highlights French Offensive Prowess

As Sandie Toletti mentioned on Wednesday in Clairefontaine, the team’s focus remains firmly on preparation. “For the moment, we are focused on the preparation. We work a lot and we are tired,” she stated. “We will have time to think only of the euro.”

Against Belgium, the French squad utilized the match to provide playing time to several promising players. Kelly Gago scored a goal, while Melvine Malard delivered a standout performance with a hat-trick. Bonadei praised Malard’s contribution, noting, “Melvine is at the conclusion of collective actions.She gave a lot, right or left side. We certainly know its potential.”

“I feel very good in this team. I am proud to wear this jersey. I was hungry, I’m hungry for goals, I am an attacker. It’s my job.”

Looking ahead, France will face Brazil in Grenoble on June 27, a team that previously eliminated them in the quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This match will serve as an ideal test before they begin their Euro 2025 campaign against the reigning European champions, England.

In Valenciennes, Gago and Malard seized their opportunity to shine. Gago, who plays for Everton, opened the scoring in the 17th minute. malard, from Manchester United, proved to be a constant threat, scoring twice before halftime, including an remarkable pivot shot in the 42nd minute.She also provided an assist for Sakina Karchaoui in the 59th minute.

Malard: “I’m Hungry for Goals”

Malard nearly scored a second goal with a shot that was disallowed due to an offside in the 74th minute. Though, she completed her hat-trick with a well-placed shot assisted by Clara Matéo in the 79th minute and added another goal from a Kadidiatou Diani cross in the 85th minute, sealing the 5-0 victory. “I feel very good in this team,” she said after her performance. “I am proud to wear this jersey. I was hungry,I’m hungry for goals,I am an attacker. It’s my job.”

The 24-year-old, who was trained at Olympique lyonnais, presents another offensive option for the French team, joining other talented players such as Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Kadidiatou Diani, Sandy Baltimore, and Delphine Cascarino. Laurent Bonadei acknowledged the team’s offensive depth,stating,“We have a big offensive potential. that’s why I took seven attackers from my list. Anyone can be useful. I will worry about making choices.” Malard added, “I show my staff that I am operational for the team. As soon as I am on the field, I will give everything.”

In the midfield, Oriane Jean-françois, described by her coach as “a very good point,” offers a strong option in the number 6 role.Her aggressive and intelligent play, combined with her experience at Chelsea, makes her a valuable asset.Bonadei noted, “Oriane has a lot of qualities. She is in a big club in Chelsea. We already followed her with Hervé Renard when I was her assistant.”

De Almeida and Peyraud-Magnin express Confidence

Elisa de Almeida,playing in her role on the right side,expressed her eagerness for the competition,saying,“Like all competitions,we feel the desire and excitement at the idea that it starts. collectively, I feel good, I feel strong us.”

Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, the team’s goalkeeper, shared her motivation, stating, “What I can say is that we are hypermotivated. We have the grinta.We are keen to make a big competition,to go as far as possible and perhaps win.” As the team prepares for Euro 2025, the focus remains on fulfilling these promises and aiming for the final on July 27.