A Euro 2020 victory for the French team? Former player Camille Abily "wants to believe it"

Former Lyon and France midfielder Camille Abily (40) is commentating on the competition for TF1 alongside Mélanie Durot in an all-female duo. In "Coach Camille," the Chelsea assistant coach will also provide tactical insight into Les Bleues' matches. She agreed to discuss France's chances and tonight's clash with England with Nice-Matin.

Do you think English women are the favourites to succeed themselves?

They are part of it, yes, with their status as reigning champions. England has a great team with good players. But they're not the only ones. I'm thinking of Spain, who remain above the rest even with a diminished Bonmati, and Germany too, who have been working very coherently in recent years. And despite everything, we want to believe in France. We've put them in a bit more of an underdog position in recent years, but they still have a card to play.

The question comes up all the time. Is this finally a good year for the French women's team?

We hope so, but it's going to be tough. Will all the players be ready? We saw that Griedge Mbock was in trouble (she will be out tonight, editor's note) . Her case will be very important, even more so with Wendie Renard's non-selection. We'll need a key player in defense. If all the players are at their best, France has the assets to have a great competition. Especially in attack where choices will be difficult to make. The substitutes will be able to bring a real plus.

The coach made the bold decision to leave out Wendie Renard, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Kenza Dali. Did that surprise you?

Yes, like everyone else, I think. I was especially surprised by the timing and Wendie's non-selection. Eugénie is an exceptional player, but there are a lot of players up front, even if she could have been part of it. It's less the case in defense. Wendie hadn't played every match recently, and we managed to get results. The coach thinks he's got his answers. We know how it goes. It's the competition that will prove him right or wrong. He's there to make choices, and he stands by them.

It's a hell of a risk.

He thinks it was the right time to make changes. France has never won anything with Wendie, Eugénie, and many other talented players. I'm in a very good position to speak about it, because that was the case for me too. So I can understand why he wants to bring renewal, a new dynamic. Even if France fails, we'll never know if they would have done better with these players.

What do you think of Laurent Bonadei's work so far?

His results speak for themselves. He conducted a thorough squad review at the beginning of his term. We can see that he's someone who isn't stubborn and adapts to his squad. He's had time to try things out, like the three-man defense. Today, he's also been able to bring confidence and certainty.

Is this a new era for the Blues?

Despite everything, there's a structure with a majority of players aged 24, 25, 26. There's experience. It's time for them to assert themselves. And for the young players to push forward.

Starting the competition with a clash against England, good or bad thing?

I'm going to be positive. At least the French team will be thrust straight into the competition. A victory in this match would practically guarantee them a place in the quarterfinals.

What is your view of this English team?

As assistant manager at Chelsea, I've been following them even more closely than in the past. They're a team with a lot of individual talent. Seeing players like Lauren James or Lauren Hemp return from injury isn't very good news for France. I see us capable of hurting them, but so are they. There should be goals.

There is one player who is currently in very good shape with the French team, Sandy Baltimore.

She's coming off a great season with us. Technically, she's very gifted. When the team is struggling, she knows how to keep the ball and bring the block up. In front of goal, she's becoming more and more effective; she can be a huge asset for France. We saw that again against Brazil. She's full of confidence.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto remains the number 1 lethal weapon despite everything?

Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino are capable of making a difference and eliminating any opponent. But Marie-Antoinette has goal-scoring in her blood. To go far in the competition, France will need Katoto at her best.

You saw Griedge Mbock make her debut for the national team and now she's wearing the armband.

She was 20 at the time. I remember her, Sandie Toletti, too. They've grown up a lot, but they're still my little ones (laughs). Griedge has always been a good listener, a great, hard-working girl. I'm very happy for her. I really appreciate Wendie, who has had an exceptional career. But Griedge is also a true leader. She's a humble player and a great example for everyone.

The competition is already a popular success, with a record number of tickets sold. Does that make you smile?

It's huge! They're our neighbors, too, so it's great. Finally, women's football is being recognized for its true worth. In England, I saw that the enthusiasm was exceptional, with 50,000 to 60,000 people at certain matches. We want this to be the case everywhere. I hope France will have a great run and take advantage of this popular wave. It's important to create momentum.