World-class Ladies ready for massive Euro semi

England Ladies boss Mark Sampson has declared his entire squad “world class” ahead of tonight’s Women’s Euro 2017 semi-final against hosts Holland.

And Sampson feels there is no limit to what the Lionesses can achieve after making confident progress through the tournament.

Sampson guided England to third place in the World Cup two years ago but he now has a major final in his sights.

Sampson, whose side have scored 11 goals and conceded just one in their four games so far, said: “I think all of them are world class. If I didn’t think that I wouldn’t be the manager of this team.

“The talent we have got in this team we are completely confident in but, as well as talent, hard work and a learning mindset are incredibly important. I’ve been around some good sportspeople and these players work as hard as anyone I’ve ever worked with or seen, and they are obsessed with being the best they can be.

“Now they have got those two skills in abundance, the sky is the limit for this group.

“We know we have to produce a massive performance to get a result, but I know the players have put the hard work in and done everything they possibly can to prepare for this game.

“It gives you a great sense of confidence to go on the field feeling you have prepared really well and are potentially ready for anything that is going to get thrown at you.”

Wearsider Jill Scott misses out through suspension and Sampson is keeping Holland guessing over who fills in for the experienced midfielder.

He said: “Jill’s a wonderful player. She’d be a loss, not just for England, but for any team.

“But if there was any team that was going to lose Jill Scott and still feel completely confident, it would be this English team.

“Whoever steps into the job whether it be a structure change or a personnel change – we feel confident in their ability to get the job done.”

Siobhan Chamberlain replaces the injured Karen Bardsley in goal.