Mark Sampson: England on a ‘mission’ to win the World Cup
Monday 29 June 2015 09:31, UK
England head coach Mark Sampson says it is his side’s mission to win two more World Cup matches and create history in the women’s game.
His squad have arrived in Edmonton where preparations are under way for their first ever World Cup semi-final against tournament holders Japan on Wednesday.
Sampson’s side knocked out hosts Canada in the quarter finals thanks to goals from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze.
They are now just two wins from creating history in English football and although the head coach is aware of just how tough that challenge will be, he said the team are ready to meet it head on.
Asked if he thought it was destiny for England to win the World Cup, Sampson told Sky Sports News HQ: “We are still in there fighting. There are a lot of teams who have gone home, there are only four left – three of the best teams in the world and England.
“So we are in a place where we’ve only got to win two matches to make history and create a real special moment in England’s football history, and a special moment for this team.
“That’s the mission – two wins. And when you put it like that it doesn’t seem much but it is two wins against potentially two great opponents but the team have been great up to this point. They will really be ready to go on Wednesday, they’ll be really fired up, really focused and really concentrating.”
Sampson also said he was grateful for the support the team were receiving back in England, and claimed it was helping to drive the players on in the competition.
He said: “We’re feeling a huge wave of support sent from back home which has given the players that extra motivation, that extra sense of pride and passion and it is making them wake up with an extra spring in their step.
“We are going to keep embracing that support. We really hope that people can stay with us, stay connected with this team, get behind us again and let’s get ourselves through to a final.”
