GET UP AND CAT ’EM
Sampson calls for a ‘massive’ final push as claws come out
ENGLAND boss Mark Sampson called for a ‘massive’ performance as his Lionesses take aim at a place in the Euros final.
They take on hosts Holland – also nicknamed the Lionesses – in the biggest of Big Cat fights.
England have beaten the Dutch in the last 12 months but know they face a huge test against a home team on a roll and with a 30,000 full-house behind them.
But Sampson said last night: “We know we have to produce a massive performance to get a result, but we are prepared for anything that will get thrown at us.
“Every one of our players is highly skilled in the position they play. It is a matter of making the right decisions on the day and I am confident they will.
“I think all my players are world-class. I am privileged to watch them go about their work every day. The players have so much more to give too. This group work as hard as anyone I’ve every worked with, and the sky’s the limit for them.
“We’re excited. We’ve always delivered under pressure and we can’t wait to perform.”
Siobhan Chamberlain replaces goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, whose leg was accidentally broken by skipper Steph Houghton in the quarter-final.
Reading midfielder Jo Potter is in line to replace suspended Jill Scott, who scored the goal that beat the Dutch at this stage in 2009.
England were then hammered by Germany 6-2 in the final.
Back then both teams were part-timers. They are mostly fully professional now with Dutch star striker Lieke Martens said to be earning £180,000 a year after her recent move to Barcelona.
The Dutch have a core of English-based players, including Arsenal’s Danielle van de Donk, who plays at the same club as England’s Jodie Scott and Jordan Nobbs.
Van de Donk said: “I know them really well, how to defend and attack them, we are ready for them.” Nobbs countered: “We know their strengths and weaknesses and hopefully can capitalise on that.”