Khiara Keating and Maya le Tissier: England talking points following defeat by Brazil

The main point of discussion before the match was which position Manchester United captain Maya le Tissier should play in.

Wiegman has made it clear she sees her as a right-back in the current England squad, despite Le Tissier playing her weekly football at centre-back for United.

The talented 23-year-old has started 72 consecutive games at centre-back in the Women’s Super League, and in her 104 appearances for United has only played one at right-back.

Manchester United were keen to highlight this in a social media post last week, which sparked debate among supporters and thrust Wiegman’s decision into question.

But against Brazil, Le Tissier started in the full-back role and moved to the middle with just under 40 minutes remaining.

“I play week-in-week out at centre-half, so I feel much more comfortable at centre-half,” she said afterwards.

“I have to think a bit more at right-back, but to be honest I’m just happy to play and get on the pitch. It’s been frustrating for me.”

Wiegman highlighted Le Tissier’s qualities, pointing out her pace and energy as valuable assets to the attacking full-back role she wants.

The Dutchwoman stressed she knows what Le Tissier is capable of at centre-back but now was the time to try out new things.

With Lucy Bronze guarding the position on a long-term basis, are there enough back-up options available or has Le Tissier become a victim of lack of squad depth?

“I think we have players but Lucy Bronze is still building her [fitness] and Niamh Charles is still building who can play there,” Wiegman said.

“It’s also what you need from the game. I definitely keep thinking Maya can play right-back and I know she can play centre-back too.

“It’s about what the game is asking. This is the exact period to try. There are two years to go [until the World Cup] so I hope that we have many players that are going to challenge for that position.”

One of the potential back-ups is young Tottenham full-back Ella Morris, who received a senior call-up for Euro 2025 but sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training with England.

But Le Tissier’s showing at both right-back and centre-back in Saturday’s defeat will have pleased Wiegman as she confirmed she was right at home in an England shirt.

Source link