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Le Tissier shines in central role as Lionesses beat Australia

Guernsey star Maya Le Tissier made the most of her opportunity to line up in the heart of the Lionesses’ defence as she helped England to a friendly win over Australia last night.

Maya’s England role has been the subject of plenty of debate in recent days and weeks
Maya’s England role has been the subject of plenty of debate in recent days and weeks / Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

Le Tissier started back-to-back games for England for the first time and played the full 90 minutes at centre-back in a 3-0 victory in Derby.

The Manchester United captain has been the subject of much debate in recent days, with England manager Sarina Wiegman reiterating her belief that she has more to offer at right-back.

That despite Le Tissier having started United’s last 72 league games in the centre of defence.

Le Tissier had started on the right in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Brazil in Manchester, with England conceding two early goals before she moved to the middle.

‘I play week in, week out at centre-half,’ she told ITV Football after the game at the Etihad Stadium.

Le Tissier started back-to-back England games for the first time as she won her 10th cap in Derby
Le Tissier started back-to-back England games for the first time as she won her 10th cap in Derby / Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

‘I feel much more comfortable at centre-half. I have to think a little bit more at full-back.’

‘To be honest, I’m just really happy to play and get on the pitch. It’s been frustrating for me, so I’m really glad to get on the pitch, get 90, and wherever that may be, I’ll do my best.’

At 23, she has now won 10 caps for England, overtaking Matt Le Tissier's record at the weekend to become Guernsey’s most-capped senior international.

The two friendlies were England’s first outings since retaining the Euros this summer, where Le Tissier was part of the squad but did not make an appearance on the pitch.

The Lionesses have two more fixtures coming up in a month or so, with friendlies against China at Wembley on 29 November and against Ghana in Southampton on 2 December.

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