BOSS SAMPSON COULD QUIT

ENGLAND’S women are entering a new era of uncertainty with a manager considering his future and several senior players on the brink of calling time on their international careers after their Euro 2017 humbling. Mark Sampson is refusing to say whether he will continue as boss after admitting the past 12 months have taken their toll. Thursday’s semi-final defeat by Holland is set to be the last game for a number of the Lionesses’ experienced stars. Sampson has asked for time to reflect on what he could have done better at these Euros with just over six weeks until World Cup qualifying begins with a game against Russia on September 19. The Welshman, a new father, has two years left on his contract but said: ‘It takes a hell of a toll, not just on me but on my family as well. ‘I’ve fallen short, we’ve fallen short, but at the moment it is about getting home and putting this to one side. This year has been the most special of my life — my young daughter’s been born and her mum has given up so much of her time to make sure dad could give his all. I’ll go away and reflect on what I’ve done to support the players and try and find some solutions to support them even better, because they deserve that.’ Veteran defender Alex Scott has already decided to quit and record cap-holder Fara Williams, whose error led to Holland’s second goal, may also find herself out of the picture, although she will not retire. Casey Stoney and Laura Bassett look set for the exit and other Lionesses could be phased out, too. ‘Thursday night was a stab in the heart and tournaments don’t come around too often,’ said Lucy Bronze.