Key Highlights
- Khiara Keating made her debut as the first black goalkeeper for the English national team.
- Maya le Tissier faced criticism over her position in the starting lineup for the match against Brazil.
- Sarina Wiegman experimented with new formations and player roles following the friendly defeat.
Debut of Khiara Keating: First Black Lionesses Goalkeeper
Khiara Keating, Manchester City’s former academy graduate, made her England debut on 25 October 2025 against Brazil at the Etihad Stadium. The friendly match, meant to be a celebration for England, ended in a defeat, but Keating’s performance was praised by head coach Sarina Wiegman. Despite the loss, Keating’s debut as the first black goalkeeper for the Lionesses was considered a milestone.
The 23-year-old filled in for injured Euro 2025 star Hannah Hampton. Her performance was described by Wiegman as “very talented,” and she managed to pull off one goal back through Georgia Stanway’s strike.
Position Dilemma of Maya le Tissier
The match against Brazil also brought attention to the position dilemma surrounding Manchester United captain Maya le Tissier. Le Tissier, known for her 72 consecutive games as a centre-back in the Women’s Super League and 104 appearances for Manchester United, was initially set to play as a right-back. However, Wiegman decided to experiment with Le Tissier in both roles during the match.
Le Tissier started in the full-back role but moved to centre-half just under 40 minutes into the game.
She expressed her preference for centre-back, stating that she feels “much more comfortable” there due to the number of consecutive games at that position. Despite the frustration, Le Tissier was happy to be on the pitch.
Experimentation and Future Implications
Wiegman’s decision to experiment with new player roles highlights the ongoing changes within women’s football. The coach emphasized the importance of trying out different formations in preparation for future competitions, such as the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
While Lucy Bronze is a permanent fixture at right-back and Niamh Charles is still building her fitness, Wiegman expressed hope that Le Tissier would continue to challenge for her position. The coach also mentioned the potential of young Tottenham full-back Ella Morris as an alternative back-up option.
The friendly defeat by Brazil served as a learning experience for both players and coaches, paving the way for future improvements in England’s national team strategy. As Wiegman noted, “It’s about what the game is asking.” With two years until the World Cup, there will be ample opportunity to assess and refine these new roles.
