Mark Sampson says the England squad deserve their success

Head coach Mark Sampson says England’s success at the Women’s Euro 2017 is the result of hard work and desire.

England are through to face hosts the Netherlands in the semi finals on Thursday after a historic 1-0 win over France on Sunday night.

Jodie Taylor scored the winner in the second half for the Lionesses, who ended a winless run against the French which stretched back to 1974.

And Sampson says the England squad deserve all the success that is coming their way.

He told Sky Sports News: "This performance is not, ‘turn up and hope we win’.

"This is two, three years of obsession, of hard work, of determination, of desire to put themselves in a position where they can compete on nights like tonight.

"I am very proud of their efforts and thankful for all the work they have put in."

However, Sampson played down the suggestion that his side are now favourites to win a maiden major title.

"This was a big barrier to overcome that’s for sure," he added.

"This is a great French team who have always proved difficult opponents for us.

"These types of games, you are not getting many chances. You have got to find a way to stay in it and when you get a chance be clinical and that is exactly what we did.

"There are three great teams left in this tournament as well as us.

"We know the level of the challenge we face. We are going to face the hosts, who have got a nation behind them and are playing the best football of their lives, so that will be a huge challenge.

"Let’s enjoy tonight and tomorrow we will start thinking about the semi final."

Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley had to be replaced by Siobhan Chamberlain in the closing stages of Sunday’s match.

And Sampson added: "She [Bardsley] had a bump on her calf and we just felt that she wasn’t 100 per cent.

"At this level of the game you can’t afford to have a goalkeeper who is not fully 100 per cent fit. With the quality of Siobhan on the bench, we knew we could make that change.

"Siobhan came on and did an admirable job for the team.

"It is too soon [to address Bardsley’s injury]. Tomorrow we will start to think about who is fit and make sure we prepare right for the semi final."

(c) Sky News 2017: Mark Sampson says the England squad deserve their success