Sarina Wiegman's side are lacking depth in a few positions, and this particular problem was apparent in games with Sweden and Ireland in April
Lucy Bronze has been a stalwart for the Lionesses for over 10 years now. She's been the star of some of England's most memorable moments and a key component in the team's most successful era, which has resulted in a European Championship title and a World Cup final. But criticism of her performances is undoubtedly growing, and there is no obvious replacement for Sarina Wiegman to turn to.
Regardless of whether or not that scrutiny is justified, it has certainly highlighted the lack of competition England have for Bronze in her right-back role. For a long time, Maya Le Tissier has looked to be the heir to her throne. The versatile defender broke through as a teenager at Brighton and has been one of Manchester United's most impressive performers since making that step up the Women's Super League hierarchy back in 2022.
But despite her continued improvements, Le Tissier wasn't even in the squad this week to provide depth to yet another position – alongside left-back and, following Rachel Daly's retirement, centre-forward – that the Lionesses seriously lack options in.
Errors creeping in
The latest criticism of Bronze was sparked by a costly error at Wembley last Friday night, when she failed to check her shoulder and Barcelona team-mate Fridolina Rolfo was able to sneak in, undetected, to net a goal that gave Sweden a point in the opening round of 2025 Women's Euro qualifiers.
But the questions around her level have been lingering for at least the last 12 months. Part of that is because of the incredibly high standards she has set, with her having laid claim to being the best full-back in the game for a long time, but defensive lapses have started to creep in, most notably in last year's World Cup final but also in the Champions League final with Barcelona.
Of course, that's not to say Bronze is suddenly a terrible player. As well as providing huge experience and top level know-how, she can still be an asset for the Lionesses and the positives she brings to the table are why Wiegman continues to select her. But it is also because if the coach did want to take her out of the firing line, she is very limited when it comes to replacements.
AdvertisementLack of options
In England's April squad, Wiegman's other options at right-back were Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles and Jess Carter. Morgan can play any position in the back line, but hasn't started a game for Manchester City since November, while her most recent start for England was actually in the heart of defence. Charles, naturally a winger or an attacking midfielder, has become the go-to left-back for Chelsea and, in turn, England, while Carter has primarily played as a centre-back for the Blues in recent times. None are obvious right-back options, then.
Meanwhile, Le Tissier, who can play on the right or in the centre, wasn't included in the 23 at all. "The competition in the back is really high, with Leah [Williamson] coming back and finding balance with players who can play as a full-back as well as players who can play centre-back, or to see what's necessary,” Wiegman explained. “What do we need maybe in a scenario when we want to sub? And then we came out that Maya lost the competition on her position."
Versatility: Blessing and a curse
The overriding issue for Wiegman appears to be that Le Tissier is a right-back in her thinking, but is exclusively playing as a centre-back at United. She revealed as much last May when explaining the 21-year-old's shock absence from her World Cup squad. “We see her more as a right-back," the coach said. "At club, she plays as a centre-back. She has had a very good season, but this is the choice we made."
Le Tissier came through as a central option but moved out to the right at Brighton during her third season at the club. "Her athleticism, her levels of fitness, I think really suit that role," manager Hope Powell explained, and she was right.
"Maya, as an 18-year-old, I don't feel like I'm playing with a kid,” Brighton defender Victoria Williams noted at the time. “I think she's kind of advanced beyond her years in terms of her positional awareness [and] the professional attitude she has. I think Brighton are very fortunate to have her and I personally believe she has a very promising career ahead of her at club and England level."
Standard bearer
It was a switch that went down well with Le Tissier, too. "I can see myself playing right-back," she told . "I've got the strength that a right-back needs and the manager has seen the strength that I can bring and can transfer well into that position, so she's trusted me and I've been playing there and I think I've been doing quite well."
She even noted Bronze as someone for her to learn from and actually surpass. "You need to look at the best players that play in those positions and try to use bits of their game and put it into your game. You always want to be better than them, so I want to be better than Lucy Bronze. I don't just want to be as good as Lucy Bronze."