Why Maya Le Tissier should retain her spot for England in 2026 | OneFootball

Maya Le Tissier has been a revelation for England of late and she has asserted herself as a first-choice centre back with injuries ravaging the Lionesses.

There is no doubt that Le Tissier has been impressive this year and she is showing just how good she can be on the biggest stage.

Why Maya Le Tissier should start for England

After another impressive performance on Tuesday, Maya Le Tissier is in a prime position to hold on to her starting position a centre-back.

Sarina Wiegman has been insistent in the past that the Manchester United captain is better utilised as a full-back rather than a central defender.

Despite her manager’s claims, Le Tissier has shown just how influential she can be in the middle of defence.

With Leah Williamson and Katie Reid both out of the Lionesses squad with respective injuries, Wiegman has had no choice but to play Le Tissier at centre back.

Against Ghana once again the 23-year-old showcased her consistency and reliability.

England conceded no goals with Le Tissier at the back and the United defender proved to be a great outlet moving up the field for Lionesses.

With a 96% pass completion rate on 102 passes, no other player on the team came close to her impressive ball retention.

Despite not being the tallest of defenders, Le Tissier also won three of her four arial duels against Ghana.

What next for Maya Le Tissier?

England’s game against Ghana was their final match in what has been a superb year for the Lionesses.

In 2026 the team can expect to welcome back both Jess Carter and Leah Williamson in defence – but where does that leave Le Tissier?

After such an impressive run at centre-back it will be hard for Sarina Wiegman to leave the United star out of her starting XI.

But the England boss has done this in the past and it would be no surprise to see her dropped in 2026.

For now, Le Tissier will just have to show how good she can be for United in the WSL.

The Red Devils return to league action this weekend, with West Ham heading to Leigh Sports Village after the break.

United have been good this season and Le Tissier has led her side to a good run in the league that has them just seven points adrift of bitter rivals Manchester City atop the WSL table.