England are ‘as good as having a medal around the neck’

England coach, Mark Sampson, believes the Lionesses are as good as winning the Women’s World Cup despite their dramatic semi-final defeat to Japan.

The team matched the holders throughout the match in Edmonton until defender Laura Bassett’s injury-time own goal gave Japan a 2-1 win.

But the 32-year-old coach is impressed with the spirit built in the squad and the togetherness fostered during the tournament saying it “was as good as winning a medal”.

“We came here as a huge underdog with the weight of a nation on our back. The players have inspired a nation and they deserve to go home as heroes,” he said.

“This team has shown the world what it is capable of. The players will have special memories for the rest of their lifetime.

“I can’t find a word to emphasise how together this team has been. They are a special group to work with and have shown what type of people they are and what type of team they are. I can’t be prouder.

“To talk about that is a good as winning the World Cup for us. We felt we could go all the way, but what we have achieved and the values this team epitomises is as good as having a medal around the neck.”

And he has since taken the defeat on the chin.

“It really is heartbreaking. I’m so proud of them,” he said.

“I’ve told them it’s OK to cry. They left everything on the field and it’s a really tough way to go out.”

The Lionesses will face Germany in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Edmonton.