Maya shines as she returns as Lioness
Maya Le Tissier won her fourth cap for England on Friday night and helped the Lionesses to a crucial victory in their quest to qualify for the Uefa Women’s Euro 2025.
The Guernsey star played the full 90 minutes at right back and put in an impressive performance in the 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in the rain at Norwich City’s Carrow Road ground.
‘Loved being back in the England shirt last night,’ Le Tissier posted on social media on Saturday.
The Manchester United defender came into the starting XI in place of Lucy Bronze, who was one of several England players on a yellow card from earlier games and with the Lionesses facing another vital fixture away to Sweden tomorrow, manager Sarina Wiegman wanted to reduce the risk of suspensions.
‘She’s fit, she has done really well in training and she has shown so many good things. We think this is the right moment,’ said Wiegman of Le Tissier’s selection on ITV ahead of the game.
During the match, Alessia Russo had the Lionesses in front after five minutes, converting after a superb team move, before Georgia Stanway doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the second half.
The visitors pulled a goal back deep into added time, but it was not enough to deny Wiegman’s side the three points.
‘I’m happy with the result. I thought we started really well, played very well and we scored a goal, an incredible goal. The best goals are the goals that include many players so that was really good,’ Wiegman said.
‘I think after that we created still a lot of chances but we should have played more in the pockets and more behind.
‘I think we were sloppy at moments too. In the second half we also could have put it to bed and still had some very great moments. You would hope that we score some more goals.
‘Of course, I was very frustrated about their goal.’
If England avoid defeat in Gothenburg against Sweden tomorrow, they will book their place at next summer’s tournament.
