Fran Kirby can become world-class, says England boss Mark Sampson

England manager Mark Sampson has challenged Fran Kirby to become a "world-class" international player.

The 22 year-old, who was part of the England squad that finished third at this year's Women's World Cup, helped Chelsea to the FA Women's Super League title this season, scoring 20 goals in 15 games.   

The Blues paid a British record transfer fee, £60,000, to sign the striker from Reading and Sampson believes she now has the potential to become one of the best female players in the world.

"She's certainly a player who is exciting for the country and exciting for us as a group because we feel she's got genuine world-class potential," said the England manager.

"For Fran now, it's about the consistency, and she's working hard on a day-to-day basis to improve and become the player we all believe she can become.

"When you compete at international level, you're playing against the best players in the world, and Fran knows she's got a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead of her to be classed in that world-class bracket.

"But we're confident that with the right work and the right support, Fran's got the ability and most importantly the character to get herself to that level."

Sampson was speaking ahead of England's match against Australia on Friday - part of the CFA International Tournament in Chongqing, China.  

The Lionesses will also face the host country on the 27th October and Sampson is hoping his side can replicate the strong performances shown in the World Cup.

"We set the bar high with our performances and results and we want to keep raising that standard and pushing that bar even further," he said.

"We've got a chance to win a tournament now, in China, and we're up for it, we're excited by it."