Man United star Maya Le Tissier reveals ‘bittersweet’ reaction to World Cup omission as she looks to impress Sarina Wiegman in an unfamiliar position in England’s upcoming friendlies
Maya Le Tissier had just enjoyed perhaps the best season of her young career.
She had helped Manchester United finish second in the 2022-2023 Women’s Super League, made her England debut and had been named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Many expected her to be included in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad for the World Cup in Australia, so her omission came as a surprise. Wiegman explained that she considered Le Tissier as a right-back rather than a centre-back – the position she plays at club level.
Le Tissier was appointed as a standby player and traveled with the squad to Australia before flying back after the first match.
“It was bittersweet,” the 22-year-old said. ‘I was in the selection for the World Cup.
Maya Le Tissier hopes to earn a place in the England team after suffering the heartache of missing out on the World Cup squad last year
The Manchester United defender was on the standby list and traveled with the squad to Australia before flying back after the first match
Sarina Wiegman seems convinced Le Tissier’s best chance of being selected for England lies at right-back
‘When Sarina called me to say I was on standby, it didn’t feel that way at the time, but it was still a great achievement. ‘I think I had a good season at United, my first season there. It was definitely hard to bear, very, very hard.”
Despite the disappointment, Le Tissier used the experience in a positive way.
‘I went there and loved it. I loved Australia, I loved being with the girls. The girls made me feel like I was part of the team.
“I didn’t know what the atmosphere would be like, standing there on standby, ready to go if someone got hurt. It’s not something you want to do, you don’t want anyone to get injured, but you want to be at the World Cup, so it was really difficult.
‘I just made the best of it. I was on the beach all the time, in the sea. I helped the girls prepare for a great tournament. I really enjoyed doing my part, but hopefully I can play an even bigger role next time.”
Conflicting views over whether Le Tissier, who was named Manchester United captain at the start of this season, is a centre-back or a right-back has seen her miss out on a number of England squads in the past year.
Wiegman seems convinced that Le Tissier has the best chance of being selected for England at right-back and it is true that there is strong competition at centre-half, with the likes of Leah Williamson, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood all vying for places.
But Le Tissier is unlikely to change positions for United, which may put her at a disadvantage when it comes to squad selection.
Le Tissier now carries more responsibility at club level by wearing the captain’s armband
“I wouldn’t say frustrating is the right word,” says Le Tissier, who has four England caps, when asked about the opposing views on her best position.
‘I would like to show Sarina that I can play right back at the club, but I don’t have that chance. But I am very happy that I have the opportunity to play as a central defender at the club. I’m playing every game right now and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
‘It’s not frustrating for me, but probably more frustrating for the coaches, like Sarina who chooses the squad. I think we have principles at England and principles at United and as long as I live by those, I’m in a good place to be chosen in any position.
‘I’m happy to play as a right back. To be honest, put me in midfield or right back, I would like to play there. I don’t even know what my best position is.’
The Lionesses have already qualified for next summer’s European Championship and will play a series of friendlies between now and next summer, starting with Germany at Wembley on Friday.
With Le Tissier now taking on more responsibility at club level by wearing the captain’s armband, the youngster hopes she can show why she deserves to be in Wiegman’s squad for the tournament in Switzerland.
‘It would mean everything. It would be an absolute dream.
The Lionesses will play a series of friendlies between now and next summer, starting with Germany at Wembley on Friday
‘Playing with England in a major tournament is something we all dream of. I’ve been so close, but still so far and I definitely need to up my game.
“We can always improve things, but I will do everything I can this season to put myself there.
‘If the United girls have a good season and are picked for England that would be super special.’