Keating’s England debut & Le Tissier position dilemma

Sarina Wiegman’s side had planned to show off to Brazilian fans back home, but they instead watched as Brazil’s fervent supporters danced and sang full-time.

Losing is not something Wiegman ever enjoys, but this is the start of a new cycle for the Lionesses and a new beginning for experimentation.

“You always want to win when you pitch.” Yes, because of the environment we live in, it hurts. She said, “It’s never nice to lose.”

In addition to the things Wiegman tried out, Khiara Keating made her debut by filling in for Hannah Hampton, who had been sidelined for Euro 2025.

Keating, who had her first team debut at Manchester City after graduating from the academy and earning a warm reception at the Etihad Stadium, made it clear that night was going to be special.

Some of the goalkeeper’s green shirts, which bore Keating’s name on the back, were scattered among the white shirts worn by England fans.

However, Keating was not at fault as Brazil went 2-0 up in the opening period, which quickly damaged her dream debut.

She made a comeback, performing a confident performance as England fought back through Georgia Stanway before being forced to accept a 2-1 defeat.

Keating, who became the Lionesses’ first black goalkeeper, was not a fan of the scoreline, who had little to cheer about.

“It felt like home,” said Keating, “probably the best place I’ve ever made my debut.”

I’m the first black female goalkeeper, and I just hope the gap between them two is smaller.

“I’m feeling dead proud that football is moving in the right direction and that the times are changing,” he said.

Wiegman, who is already weighing her options for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, was pleased with Keating’s performance.

She has been with us for a while and is a very talented player. Although it was a difficult first few minutes, Wiegman said, “I think she handled it really well.”

It was good that she didn’t get many shots in the second half, but it’s even harder for a goalkeeper to be present when she’s needed.

Prior to the match, discussion centered on Maya le Tissier’s preferred starting position.

Despite Le Tissier playing her weekly football for United, Wiegman has made it clear that she sees her in the current England squad as a right-back.

The talented 23-year-old has started 72 consecutive games in the Women’s Super League at right back, but she has only made one appearance in total for United at right back.

Last week, Manchester United made a social media post that raised the issue, which sparked discussion among the supporters and raised doubts about Wiegman’s choice.

With just under 40 minutes left, Le Tissier moved to the middle and started in the full-back position against Brazil.

She later said, “I play at center-half every week, so I feel much more at center-half.”

I have to consider this at right-back, but to be honest, I’m happy to play and get on the pitch. For me, it’s been frustrating.

Wiegman praised Le Tissier’s qualities, citing her speed and energy as valuable assets for her desire to play the attacking full-back.

The Dutchwoman emphasized that while Le Tissier is capable of center-back, this was a good opportunity to experiment with new things.

Are there enough backup options available given Lucy Bronze’s long-term commitment to the position, or has Le Tissier fallen victim to the team’s lack of depth?

“I believe we have players, but Niamh Charles is still developing her fitness, and Lucy Bronze is still developing players,” Wiegman said.

It’s what you need from the game as well. Maya and I are both capable of playing center-back, and I constantly believe that.

It’s about what the game asks, they say. The precise time frame should be used. I hope that we have many players competing for that position in the [two years until the World Cup] tournament.

Ella Morris, a young Tottenham full-back, was one of the potential backups after she received a senior call-up for Euro 2025 but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while training with England.