• England face first game since World Cup third-spot play-off in Edmonton
• Manager omits Sunderland’s Beth Read but focuses on big pictureMark Sampson has challenged his England side to build on their success at Canada 2015 by winning the next European Championship. The Lionesses open their Netherlands 2017 qualifying campaign on Monday night when they face Estonia in Tallinn. It is the first game England fill played since they beat Germany in Edmonton in the World Cup third-spot play-off.
That achievement not only captured countless hearts and minds but ensured England were the highest-placed European nation in Canada. Sampson believes they can finish top of the continental pile again in two years’ time but remains well aware that this will necessitate technical and tactical improvement as well as demanding exceptional dedication.
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Source: theguardian.com