With all the quality in the side, the question remains: when will France finally win a trophy? Les Bleues bow out early and empty-handed as each new tournament brings about a new hope that is quickly replaced with pain.
Since the arrival of Marie-Antoinette Katoto, other concerns have come to the fore. There are long-simmering infighting, political power struggles and off-the-pitch drama that could again threaten France's bid at the Euros. Possessing one of the finest attackers in the world in Katoto, this might be the best France team ever seen, but anything other than three points could send the team into a spiral.
At the Women's World Cup, an unfancied France shocked and delighted in equal measure as they danced across the pitch. The team brought back memories of the French men's team that won the 1998 World Cup, and with little surprise as that generation of talent had been so visible and inspiring for those women.
Louisa Necib's silky first touch could have been that of her long lost sister, while Laura Georges looked like she'd been cast in the same mold as Thuram. When French men's football was under a dark cloud, the women brought joy to those who watched them, and quickly began to promise a new era.
When push came to shove at the World Cup, the Euros and all the subsequent majors that followed, the goals always seemed to desert the Les Bleues. France have rarely stumbled during qualification, but they have never had a winning mentality.
The team has remained a favorite for pundits and fans despite the retirements of stars like Necib. With the team relying on goals not just from the middle, but also from the defender, it has solidified the tag ahead of this summer's Euros, giving rise to hopes that France may finally be in position to win a trophy.
She has a one-track mind in the box, and her determination distinguishes her from those who've worn the No. 9 for France. Bruno Bini and Philippe Bergeroo would have given their left arms for the Pariser at the World Cup.
Even at 20 years old, the centre-forward was one of the most menacing in the division. As it was, with even more expectation on Les Bleues as hosts who had watched their male counterparts lift the trophy in Russia the previous summer, the team came undone.
In their first game of the World Cup against a dismal South Korea side, Diacre's team had at least managed to capture the public's imagination, but they couldn't fulfill the promises they had silently made. A return to Paris three weeks later ended France's challenge as they bowed out to the US with a lack of goals.
"I'm vigorous -- that's typical of me. Often, I'm told I'm very strict. We never laugh around, we never joke; everything is very calculated, there's no exceptions. The girls are very unhappy and you can see that on the field."
As she faced the media ahead of France's World Cup match with Brazil, Diacre's words were dripping with sarcasm. Journalists all shared a joke when she held the room in her hand. The France national team coach, known for being something of a Miss Trunchbull, had painted a caricature of herself and, while her side were winning, everyone could laugh.
Amandine Henry had told Canal+ that he cried in his room because he wanted to experience the World Cup, but it was chaotic. The quote can be found in one of the nine separate entries of Diacre's Wikipedia page under the "controversies" section, which depicts one side of a coach who lacks time for delicacy or sentiment.
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The 47-year-old had clashed with the national team when she stripped Renard of the captain's role. The manager was going to have a lot of problems with the Lyon contingent. Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer fell out. As long as Diacre is in charge, Sarah will retire from international duty.
Supporters of Diacre will say it's perfectly logical for her to cut out players she felt were too focused on the individual or who had egos that were too large. It's possible that the decision to bring in Paris FC forward duo Clara Mateo and Ouleymata sarr was related to Le Sommer. Throughout her time as a coach, her comments have failed to add up, talking of players being out of form while their club performances suggest otherwise.
The coach's decisions have drawn criticism at home, with many pundits suggesting she denies players call-ups as punishment, and those in the squad who have spoken out swift to feel her reprisal. Those who've been coached by Diacre talk of a manager who punishes her players for minor transgressions.
It was no surprise that Henry was left out of the squad for Euro 2022. Le Sommer had been allowed to break the national team goal- scoring record before she was called up. For those who have seen the depth of Henry's game or watched as she has returned to form this season, Diacre believes that Charlotte could offer things in the middle of the pitch that Henry could not.
Repeatedly, those in the game have called on Noel Le Graet, the president of the French Football Federation, to relieve Diacre of her position. He acknowledged some disagreements between the former players and the coach last year, but said that faith is starting to pay off.
The Paris Saint-Germain front three of Sandy Baltimore, Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani are likely to feature a lot at the Euros, with each attacker offering up something different. It's thought that this France team will finally be the one that doesn't struggle for goals, but it's not a sign of things to come.
If, that is, the attack showcases the best of Paris Saint-Germain, the defence is built on the Lyon centre-back pair of Renard and Griedge Mbock anchoring the team, and exceptional young full-back.
In the past 28 outings, the team has only lost once, a 2-0 defeat to the USWNT. The history books teach us that.
The culture around the team is a big question mark according to a former Lyon coach. They go to the France team to fulfill their duty. They went to the French team with a lot of food in their stomach.
It's hard to know what to make of the France team now that some of them have been frozen out. As we know, Renard and Mbock's club partnership has been good for France for a long time, and we know that the front three of Paris Saint-Germain enjoy playing together.
The players may have come and gone as the reins have been passed from one to the next, but the reputation around Les Bleues has not waned since their breakthrough in 2011. For over a decade, the nation has been asked if not now, then when. Whether the strength of the club partnerships will be enough for France to vault over their biggest hurdles and win the Euros, or at least show up with the steely determination that has been lacking, remains to be seen.
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