‘I really enjoyed it out there’ – Le Tissier pleased with England start against Republic of Ireland | OneFootball

England defender Maya Le Tissier said that she was pleased to be handed a rare start in the nation’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Norwich last night.

The 22-year-old collected her fourth cap for the Lionesses after being fielded at right-back by head coach Sarina Wiegman. Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway were both on target as England went on to record a 2-1 win in front of 23,003 fans at Carrow Road.

Le Tissier played the full 90 minutes for the Lionesses and she was solid throughout. When speaking to the media after the match, the defender said that she enjoyed the experience.

“I loved it,” Le Tissier said. “I want to play for England, so I want to do anything I can to get in the team. Of course, I’d have liked to have played more than I have done, but I’ve got some world-class players in front of me. I’ve just had to be patient, keep working hard and hopefully, I can get my chance which I have tonight. I really enjoyed it out there.”

After being fielded at right-back rather than being played in a more familiar centre-back role, Le Tissier was given the opportunity to roam up the right channel. The player admitted that it was unusual for her to get herself into higher positions but it is something that she is keen to become more comfortable with.

She said “I’m a centre-half at club so when I get up the pitch, it gets a little bit of unknown territory. Of course, I want to keep working on my attacking play, create and keep it simple. It’s something I can keep working on.”

England need to avoid defeat to Sweden in Gothenburg in their final group game to automatically qualify for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. Le Tissier believes that togetherness will be key off the back of previous away successes in the Republic of Ireland and France.

She said “I think we played very well in France, credit to the players who were on the pitch at the time. We are such a good group and so close-knit. We will go to Sweden, stick together and try and put in a performance that will get us the three points. We will do our best.”

England’s final UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifier against Sweden takes place in Gothenburg at 6pm on Tuesday evening.