Thomis earns Loisel call

By Christian Châtelet

France coach Elisabeth Loisel has included uncapped 18-year-old Elodie Thomis in her 20-player squad for the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship.

European glory
Thomis, who was part of the French side that won the 2003 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship along with fellow squad members Sarah Bouhaddi, Anne-Laure Casseleux and Elise Bussaglia, was selected ahead of the experienced Laëtitia Tonazzi.

Cornerstones
Another 18-year-old, Louisa Necib, will travel to England alongside four players who are the cornerstones of Les Bleues' bid to win a first European crown - Marinette Pichon, Corinne Diacre, Stéphanie Mugneret-Béghé and Sandrine Soubeyrand.

Italy first
Loisel has long been an advocate of blending youthful energy with experience and saw that rewarded at the Algarve Cup in March when France finished third. The previous month they enjoyed two victories against Norway, one of three sides they will face in Group B along with Germany and opening opponents Italy.

France squad

Goalkeepers
Sarah Bouhaddi (CNFE FF)
Sandrine Capy (Juvisy FCF)
Céline Deville (Montpellier HSC)

Defenders
Anne-Laure Casseleux (Soyaux ASJ)
Corinne Diacre (Soyaux ASJ)
Sandrine Dusang (Olympique Lyonnais)
Laura Georges (Boston College - USA)
Peggy Provost (Juvisy FCF)
Sabrina Viguier (Toulouse FCF)

Midfielders
Camille Abily (Montpellier HSC)
Sonia Bompastor (Montpellier HSC)
Elise Bussaglia (Juvisy FCF)
Marie-Ange Kramo (Toulouse FCF)
Stéphanie Mugneret-Béghé (Juvisy FCF)
Louisa Necib (CNFE FF)
Sandrine Soubeyrand (Juvisy FCF)

Forwards
Candie Herbert (Soyaux ASJ)
Hoda Lattaf (Montpellier HSC)
Marinette Pichon (Juvisy FCF)
Elodie Thomis (CNFE FF)