Rejuvenation

France’s latest pursuit of a first major-tournament final arrives with a noticeable bounce, and Manchester United’s Reunion-born forward Melvine Malard, 24, embodies it. She names Selma Bacha as the loudest in camp, with herself close behind, and Grace Geyoro and Griedge Mbock supplying French music and Afrobeats as team DJs. Switzerland sits close to her Lyon home and she remembers England in 2022 fondly, while a changed set-up has brought new energy. She points to a long-standing understanding with Bacha down the left, formed at Lyon, and recalls watching Wendie Renard at a World Cup as her first memory of the national team. Two seasons at Manchester United have made her a more complete player, forcing her to adapt quickly to the pace and to stay calm when things are difficult. She hopes France go all the way.