Maya Le Tissier has had mixed fortunes for England over the years, but she impressed during the October international break this year.
The Manchester United captain played in two different positions during the break but she may have just proved why she is better at centre-back.
Sarina Wiegman remains stubborn
The debate over Maya Le Tissier’s strongest position for England seems to be never ending.
Sarina Wiegman has maintained her stance on the United defender since she became England boss. Wiegman insists that Le Tissier is best utilised as a full-back, but that is not where she plays on a regular basis.
Manchester United tweeted Le Tissier’s stats during the international break in an apparent poke at the England manager.
Maya Le Tissier has started 104 games for United.
103 of them have been at centre-back. pic.twitter.com/ue9eHdia9b
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) October 14, 2025
Despite fans and United claiming the defender is best playing centre-back, Wiegman still played Le Tissier at right-back in the Lionesses loss to Brazil.
The United captain impressed on the right, but it was clear that she wasn’t best pleased with being played out of position.
Le Tissier impresses at centre-back
In England’s second game of the break, Sarina Wiegman finally chanced Maya Le Tissier at centre-back.
The 23-year-old took the place of Jess Carter in the heart of defence as Lucy Bronze returned to full-back.
Le Tissier was dominant as she returned to her favoured position. The defender was one of England’s best players as the Lionesses bounced back from defeat to Brazil.
🤝 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Ex1PFUtBu5
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) October 28, 2025
When returned to the middle of defence, Le Tissier’s stats looked impressive.
The Lioness won five of her eight duels and had a 90% pass completion rating in what was a consistent first start at centre-back for her country.
Le Tissier wasn’t dribbled past by anyone from Australia and she led the team with nine recoveries.
With England currently struggling for centre-backs, Le Tissier is in a prime position to start for the Lionesses at the 2027 World Cup.
Wiegman may still remain stubborn on Le Tissier at full-back when the likes of Leah Williamson and Katie Reid return to action, but after a strong performance against Australia the manager could have her opinion changed.
