MAYA LE TISSIER has both bittersweet and happy memories of being on standby for Lionesses duty at last year’s World Cup in Australia.
Now the WSL’s youngest centurion is determined to nail down an England squad spot at next year’s Euros.
A standout debut season at Manchester United, after a July 2022 move, resulted in Le Tissier joining Aston Villa’s Lucy Staniforth and Man City’s Jess Park on Sarina Wiegman’s standby list.
The versatile defender, who joined from Brighton, helped United finish second in the league.
While the WSL ace was not part of the 23-strong group that reached the World Cup final won by Spain, she played her part off the pitch helping team-mates prepare for the contest.
Le Tissier, who has four caps, recalls: “When Sarina gave me the call to say I was on standby, it didn’t feel like it then but it was still a great achievement.
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“It was definitely difficult to take. It was bittersweet.
“I loved Australia and being around the girls. They made it feel like I was part of the team.
“I didn’t know what the vibe was going to be like to be there on standby, ready to go if someone got injured.
“You don’t want anyone to get injured but you want to be at the World Cup, so it was really difficult.
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“Helping the girls prepare for a great tournament, I was really happy to play my part.
“Hopefully next time I can play an even bigger part.”
The next tournament opportunity for Le Tissier could come next July when England battle to retain their Euros crown following their 2022 triumph.
Since their historic July 31 win against Germany, who they play on Friday at Wembley, Le Tissier’s career has gone from strength to strength.
“I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performances
Maya Le Tissier
The talented Guernsey-born defender, who was in the stands at the stadium watching Ella Toone score for the Lionesses that day, is now Man United’s captain.
This follows establishing herself as a first-team regular and playing in all of the Red Devils’ top-flight games since joining the club.
Le Tissier adds: “When Tooney scored that goal, I was like, ‘she’s going to be my team-mate!’
“Toone always comes up in the big moments, you can always trust her. I was watching from the stands. It was really special.”
Back in December 2018 Le Tissier made her Women’s Super League debut playing for Brighton against Chelsea.
Back then the team were managed by former England boss Hope Powell.
Last Saturday Le Tissier made her 100th WSL appearance when Marc Skinner’s United drew 1-1 with the Seagulls at the Amex.
A result that left United third in the table before the international break and her old side sat fourth.
Le Tissier said: “I actually didn’t even know that until after the game and then I saw a photo of me in a Brighton shirt and me in a United shirt.
“I thought ‘that’s so weird that I’ve come back to the Amex and made my 100th appearance.
“I feel very grateful to the coaches, to Hope (Powell), to Marc (Skinner).
“They put their trust in me even when I was a kid and probably making too many mistakes.
“But they trusted me to play in that position and to help the team.
“I loved my time at Brighton and I love my time at United, it’s been really good for me so far.
“There’s still a lot more I can bring and a lot more games for me to become a better player.”
Having become a WSL centurion Le Tissier would love to do the same in an England shirt.
The player who made her senior England debut in a friendly draw with Norway two years ago, last featured for the team in a Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland in July.
She hopes to get the chance to be part of the Lionesses squad battling for Euros glory in Switzerland next summer.
Le Tissier adds: “Playing in a major tournament with England – that’s what we all dream of.
“I’ve been so close, but still so far away and I definitely need to improve my game.
“I will do everything I can this season to put myself there.
“It would be super special, especially if some of the United girls hopefully have a good season and get picked for England.
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“I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performances.
“I’ve played a lot of games now, so I don’t think there’s even a question about experience. I can definitely bring that.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
