game and I think she has good performances, but I also think that, for us, her first position still is the right full-back position.” This stance has been met with skepticism, particularly from Manchester United’s official social media account, which highlighted Le Tissier’s impressive record as a centre-back. Ian Wright, the former Arsenal and England striker, further fueled the debate by questioning Wiegman’s decision, asserting that “Maya Le Tissier has started 104 games for United,” with only one being as right-back.
The Context of the International Window
England’s current situation at centre-back is precarious. With Leah Williamson sidelined and Millie Bright retiring, the squad faces a critical shortage in this position. Despite this, Le Tissier’s form for Manchester United has been outstanding, making her a prime candidate to start as right-back.
Her performance statistics are impressive; she leads the Women’s Super League (WSL) in touches and completed passes with an 87.8% accuracy rate. This versatility and form have made her a key player both at club level and potentially for the national team.
Long-term Implications
The debate over Le Tissier’s role is not just about immediate game planning but also has long-term implications. As a 23-year-old with immense potential, she could become a pivotal player for England in years to come. However, her position on the national team remains uncertain due to Wiegman’s insistence that she plays right-back.
The lack of depth at this position means Le Tissier may continue to miss out on opportunities despite her obvious abilities as a centre-back.
The upcoming international break against Brazil and Australia offers an opportunity for Le Tissier to prove her worth in the right-back role, but it also highlights the challenges facing Wiegman in building a balanced and versatile squad. The debate over Le Tissier’s role will likely continue, reflecting broader questions about player development and tactical flexibility within the England women’s football team.
