England and Man Utd star Maya Le Tissier opens up on unconventional route to the top with defender revealing she was 'playing boys' football until U18 level'

Le Tissier has revealed her "footballing journey is a bit different to most people" after growing up in Guernsey where there were no girls' teams. The Lionesses and Manchester United star has revealed that she was still playing in boys' football in the Channel Islands right up to the age of 18 but believes it helped her become the player she is today.

She told England's official website: "I think some players like going through the academies but if I was to give a young girl some advice, I would say go and play grassroots football with the boys because it does so much for you.

"I was playing boys’ football until U18 level, when they are basically men so it was physical and playing with the boys helped make me the player I am today. In Guernsey, there was no set player pathway to play for England get into the international pathway. So I'm proud that I've helped to create a pathway that other girls and boys can look at."

Le Tissier may have had an unconventional path into professional football but it certainly has not held her back. The 21-year-old has already been capped by England's Lionesses and sealed a move to Manchester United in 2022, signing a three-year deal with the Red Devils. Le Tissier clearly has a big future ahead of her and is also proving to be an inspirational figure to young girls and boys.

Le Tissier has been called into the latest Lionesses squad for a training camp in Spain ahead of friendlies with Austria and Italy. England take on Austria on February 23 and then face Italy four days later.