The Football Ferns begin their countdown to the 2015 women's World Cup when they take on world No.4 France in Laval on Sunday (NZT).

The 19th-ranked Football Ferns play three internationals in six days, beginning with

France then travelling to Stavanger for two games against world No.9 Norway.

Coach Tony Readings wants his team to begin to put in place the game plan they will need in Canada next June.

New Zealand have played France twice, defeated on penalties after drawing 1-1 in 2009 and losing 5-2 in 2011.

Readings says France present a big challenge, but one which his team are relishing.

"In seven months' time we are going to be playing in the World Cup, playing against the world's best teams.

"When we get there we want to be beating those teams consistently. The best way to achieve that is play them as often as we can so we can learn what works and what we have to work on.

Readings said the team haven't had much time together, but are keen to build on their defensive qualities against an outstanding French combination.

"Our major strengths have been our defence and our ability to make it difficult for teams to build up their attacks but we need to improve this further," he said.

"France can use a patient build-up but they are also potent at the counter-attack and use their pace when they win the ball from deep.

"We are expansive with the ball when we have it in possession, and at times when teams win the ball deep against us they can hurt us. So it is a part of our game that will be tested and it's an area that we have been exploited in the past.