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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Malik Ouzia

France told to ‘build history’ in Euro 2022 semi-final clash with Germany as England await at Wembley

France boss Corinne Diacre has urged her side to “build history” as they look to reach the country’s first major women’s tournament final.

Diacre’s side face eight-time European champions Germany in Milton Keynes in the second semi-final of Euro 2022, with the winners heading to Wembley to face hosts England on Sunday.

France have never even played in a semi-final at the European Championship, having been knocked out in the last-eight at each of the past three tournaments.

"We have reached a milestone but it's not at the end," Diacre said. "We really want to play this final and our ambition was to play on 31 July. Now we still have an important game to tackle.

"We want to build history. The players and staff want to write our story now and we still have a little way to go.”

Germany will be without one of their stars of the tournament so far in Klara Buhl after the winger tested positive for Covid-19.

It is the second time they have been hit by the virus, after Bayern Munich forward Lea Schuller was sidelined for the crucial group stage meeting with Spain.

“It’s definitely extra motivation,” midfielder Lena Oberdorf said. “Klara’s performances have been outstanding so it is a loss but we can compensate for it as a team.

France are contesting their first ever European Championship semi-final against Germany (AFP via Getty Images)

“We have a strong squad and lots of wingers on the bench that have been able to bring in their qualities when they have been subbed on, so I’m not worried.

“It will be a heavyweight clash, and I can’t wait.”

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