Degrange sets out France stall

Jean-Michel Degrange is hoping the experience his France squad gained in reaching the semi-finals of last year's UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship can help Les Bleuettes go one step further in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

So often the nearly women of the tournament, the three-time runners-up were beaten 5-2 by Sweden in the last four in Belarus 12 months ago − their second exit at that stage in the last three editions. With a Group B opener to come against the Netherlands in Skopje on Monday, Degrange is once more expecting his charges to at least reach the semi-finals, at which point, he says, "everything is possible".

"The aim is to reach the semi-finals, like we did last year," the 57-year-old told UEFA.com. "After that everything is possible, but this year we have a real chance of reaching the final because we have more or less the same squad as last year and they have gained much more experience. They know each other better than one year ago and this is clearly our strength. We have girls who get on well together and are determined to go far in the competition."

Aside from the Netherlands, France also meet Spain – winners in 2004 – and FYROM, the hosts. "We know that FYROM are at home but they're a side we can defeat, regardless how of much respect we have for all the teams," he said. "Spain and the Netherlands are clearly our toughest opponents. Spain have a very good generation of players who've achieved good results in the recent past. They could be the surprise package. We played the Netherlands at La Manga [in March 2009] and won [3-0], but they've improved since and will be tough opponents."

Their group rivals will no doubt think the same of a France squad which conceded only once during six qualifying matches using Degrange's favoured formation. "We're used to playing a zonal four-player defence and a 4-4-2 when we don't have the ball, but in attack the system is dictated by how our opponents play," added Degrange, who is striving to replicate the success of Bruno Bini, the now senior women's coach, who won the competition seven years ago.

For a more in-depth look at France and how they approach these finals, click here.