Sarina Wiegman’s 24-player England squad are now in Spain preparing for their final games of an historic 2022 against Japan and Norway.
Maya Le Tissier, Manchester United’s impressive summer signing, is one of two players who have received first-ever senior call-ups, good friend Katie Robinson being the other. After a whirlwind year for the youngster, she’s ready to take on the challenges ahead.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Le Tissier when speaking in an England media session. “I’m so happy to be here. I wasn’t really expecting it, it’s a bit of a crazy one.
“I was hoping to meet up with the Under-23s and then Sarina rang me. It’s been pretty mad, it’s what dreams are made of, moving to United, having a good start to the season and getting my first call-up is unbelievable, I’m really pleased.”
Le Tissier and fellow England debutant Robinson’s strong bond has been built through years of progressing alongside each other, so the Guernsey-born defender is thrilled to be sharing this experience with her.
She said “Her call-up is really deserved. I’ve watched a couple of Brighton’s games this season and she’s been a stand-out performer. We were at South West regional camp together, Under-13s, we knew each other before England (youth). Our families speak to each other as well. To have one of my best mates here is really nice.”
After getting her dream transfer to Manchester United, Le Tissier proved her worth to head coach Marc Skinner straight away which has stood her in good stead to be in contention for a spot in Wiegman’s England squad. It’s been a whirlwind six months for the 20-year-old.
“I’m pinching myself every day,” said Le Tissier. “To be honest, to be training and playing with these top players at United, to be training with them to be playing against them and having the pressure that we do, it’s obviously a privilege just to be in that position.
“It’s been a pretty crazy moment and crazy few months for me, but I’m really happy with how it’s going.
“They’ve (Manchester United teammates) all been so nice to me in camp, making sure I know where I’m going and that I should be there at the right time. Lessi (Russo) knocking on my door this morning was nice.
“The players that are here, I’m just like ‘wow’, I can’t believe I’m in the same room as you.”
Le Tissier comes into the camp to add to Wiegman’s defensive options for the two upcoming friendlies and she spoke about the importance of having healthy competition for both club and country.
She said “I think now at Man U, I’m really experiencing the kind of competition for places where at any moment, someone can take my spot. We’ve got so many good players at United and now coming to England, it’s exactly the same. The girls are playing well at the moment, so my aim is to just to get into the team whenever, even if it may be a while.”
England face Japan in the first of two international friendlies at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain on Friday night. Norway are the Lionesses’ second opponents on Tuesday.