England fall to Brazil as Wiegman’s side Begin new chapter

England’s homecoming proved an underwhelming one as Sarina Wiegman’s European champions slipped to a friendly defeat against Brazil, Sport360NG reports.

Returning to play in front of their home supporters, the Lionesses were hoping to mark the occasion with victory, but instead watched as Brazil’s jubilant fans danced and sang at full-time following a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

For Wiegman, the result marked a disappointing start to a new cycle of experimentation, though she remained philosophical about the loss.

“When you step onto the pitch, you always want to win. Yes, it hurts, because that’s the environment we’re in, it’s never nice to lose,” she said. “But at the same time, it’s not the Euros or the World Cup. There are no consequences. You can use these moments to test new things.”

Keating Makes History on Memorable Night

One of those experiments saw Manchester City’s Khiara Keating handed her England debut in place of injured Euro 2025 standout Hannah Hampton.

The 20-year-old received a warm ovation from the Etihad crowd, the same ground where she came through City’s academy and earned her place in the first team. Among the England shirts were fans proudly wearing Keating’s green goalkeeper jersey.

Her night began harshly as Brazil raced into a 2-0 lead inside 18 minutes, though she could do little about either goal. Keating recovered well, producing a composed performance as Georgia Stanway’s strike halved the deficit before England eventually fell 2-1.

The defeat couldn’t overshadow the significance of the moment, Keating became the first black goalkeeper to represent the Lionesses.

“It felt like home and probably the best place I could ever make my debut,” she said. “It’s crazy that I’m the first black female goalkeeper, hopefully it won’t be long before the next one. Times are changing and football’s moving in the right direction. I’m really proud.”

Wiegman praised her young keeper’s composure under pressure.

“She’s a very talented player and has been with us for a while,” the coach said. “It was a tough start, but she handled it really well. She stayed calm and played out from the back when the opportunities were there. We can be happy with her debut.”

Le Tissier’s Position Sparks Debate

Much of the pre-match conversation centred on where Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier should feature.

Wiegman has preferred using her as a right-back, despite the 23-year-old playing exclusively as a centre-half at club level. Le Tissier has started 72 consecutive Women’s Super League matches at centre-back and only once featured at full-back for United — a fact the club highlighted on social media, prompting lively debate among fans.

Le Tissier began the Brazil match on the right side of defence before switching to her natural position midway through the first half.

“I play every week at centre-half, so I feel a lot more comfortable there,” she admitted. “I have to think a bit more at right-back, but honestly, I’m just happy to be on the pitch. It’s been a bit frustrating for me.”

Wiegman defended her tactical decision, praising Le Tissier’s pace and energy for the attacking full-back role she envisions. With Lucy Bronze still regaining full fitness and Niamh Charles also in contention, the manager stressed this was the time to experiment.

“I know what Maya can do at centre-back, but this is exactly the period to try new things,” Wiegman explained. “We’ve got two years until the World Cup, and I want players pushing for that position.”

Young Tottenham full-back Ella Morris, who missed out through injury after a previous England call-up, remains another option. But Le Tissier’s assured display in both roles will have pleased Wiegman, proving she remains an integral part of England’s evolving setup.