We’ll show we are best in Europe
Ramsey but I don’t put myself in that bracket.
“I’m working with a great group of players who are doing their best to win something, and if we can win a major tournament that would be special.”
Since his appointment in December 2013, the 34-year-old has felt he could indeed produce something special.
He had previously been in charge at Women’s Super League club Bristol, after starting his coaching career under Roberto Martinez at Swansea.
He led Bristol to second spot in the Super League and became England coach in 2013, following the dismissal of Hope Powell after the Lionesses finished bottom of their group at Euro 2013.
A semi-pro full-back in his day, Sampson had no fears of working at the highest level of the women’s game.
“If I didn’t feel at this level that I could make a big impact, I’m not sure I’d have taken the job,” he said.
“I can remember talking at the time about where the team was at that moment and what we could do.
“I always thought that with a lot of hard work and the right type of work we could achieve something special.
“That was my motivation in taking this job.”
His thoroughness has helped make England one of the world’s best sides. A masterstroke was
LINE-UPS NETHERLANDS
(Prob 4-3-3): Van Veenendaal; Van Lunteren, Dekker, Van der Gragt, Van Es; Groenen, Van de Donk, Spitse; Van de Sanden, Miedema, Martens.
ENGLAND
recruiting England rugby’s performance coach Ben Young to his backroom team last August.
Since then the women’s squad has achieved an amazing 23 per cent jump in fitness levels.
That has raised confidence, with the players backing their head coach all the way.
Right-back Lucy Bronze, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, was full of praise for her boss.
She said: “We have a lot of faith in Mark. He’s very open and that’s one of the reasons why we are doing so well.
“If you have a question, if you’re unsure about a decision he has made, he will happily discuss it with you.
“We have a lot of trust in him – we trust each other and trust in what we are asked to do.”
Sampson is not satisfied with just reaching the semi-finals and believes the journey can continue beyond tonight’s clash against the hosts at the FC Twente Stadium, with the winners meeting Denmark or Austria, who clash this afternoon in Breda.
But Sampson knows facing a Dutch side, who, like England, have won every game and will have huge backing from the home fans, will be difficult.
“There’s going to be some tough moments,” he said. “But the players are here to win and we feel confident.
“We’re looking to establish ourselves as the best team in Europe.”
(Prob 4-2-3-1): Chamberlain; Bronze, Houghton, Bright, Stokes; Moore, Potter; Nobbs, Kirby, White; Taylor. ReCfeArePeT: SIOFNra:ppHaertlv(Fertai)ca Kick-off: TV: