Maya Le Tissier had just enjoyed arguably the best season of her young career.
She had helped Manchester United finish second in the 2022-2023 Women’s Super League, made her England debut and had been named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Many had expected her to be named in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad for the World Cup in Australia, so her omission came as a surprise. Wiegman explained she viewed Le Tissier as a right back rather than a centre back - the position she plays at club level.
Le Tissier was named as a standby player and travelled to Australia with the squad before flying back after the first game.
‘It was bittersweet,’ the 22-year-old says. ‘I was in the squads before the World Cup.
Maya Le Tissier is hoping to cement a place in the England team after suffering the heartbreak of missing out the squad for the World Cup last year
The Manchester United defender was on the standby list and travelled to Australia with the squad before flying back after the first game
Sarina Wiegman appears adamant Le Tissier’s best chance of being selected for England is at right back
‘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. ‘I think I’d had a good season with United, my first season there. It was definitely difficult to take, really, really hard.’
Despite the disappointment, Le Tissier used the experience in a positive way.
‘I went out there and I loved it. I loved Australia, I loved being around the girls. The girls 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. It’s not something that you want to do, you don’t want anyone to get injured but you want to be at the World Cup, so it was really difficult.
‘I just made the most out of it. I was down the beach all the time, in the sea. Helping the girls prepare for a great tournament, I was really happy to play my part but hopefully next time I can play an even bigger part.’
The conflicting view of whether Le Tissier, who was named Manchester United captain at the start of this season, is a centre back or a right back has seen her miss out on a few England squads in the last year.
Wiegman appears adamant Le Tissier’s best chance of being selected for England is at right back and it is true there is strong competition at centre back - with the likes of Leah Williamson, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood all competing for places.
But there is little chance of Le Tissier changing position for United, which perhaps puts her at a disadvantage when it comes to squad selections.
Le Tissier now shoulders more responsibility at club level by wearing the captain’s armband
‘I wouldn’t say frustrating is the word,’ Le Tissier, who has four England caps, says when asked about the opposing views on her best position.
‘I’d like to show Sarina that I can play right back at club but I don’t have that opportunity - but I’m very happy to have the opportunity to play centre back at club. I’m playing every game at the minute and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
'It’s not frustrating for me, but probably more frustrating for the coaches, like Sarina picking the squad. I think we have principles at England and principles at United and as long as I’m doing them it puts me in a good place to get picked, playing whatever position that I can.
‘I’m happy to play right-back. Honestly, put me in midfield or put me at right-back, I would love to play there. I don’t even know what my best position is.’
The Lionesses have already qualified for next summer’s Euros and will play a series of friendlies between now and next summer, starting with Germany at Wembley on Friday.
With Le Tissier now shouldering more responsibility at club level by wearing the captain’s armband, the youngster is hopeful she can demonstrate why she deserves to be in Wiegman’s squad for the tournament in Switzerland.
‘It would mean everything. It would be an absolute dream.
The Lionesses play a series of friendlies between now and next summer, starting with Germany at Wembley on Friday
‘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.
‘We can always improve on things but I will do everything I can this season to put myself there.
‘If the United girls have a good season and get picked for England, it would be super special.’