Sampson Says (Mark Sampson on the England World Cup squad)

England head coach Mark Sampson, 32, who took the job in December 2013 following Hope Powell’s departure, faces his first World Cup and his first major tournament in charge. On selecting recently injured players he concedes that every player picked is a gamble but declares himself very confident this is the right group to represent the country. The squad would love to inspire a nation and leave a legacy, he says, but their focus is on their level of performance against some fantastic teams. Their strength is the ability to face a challenge and find a way of playing that gives the best chance of winning. He is taking three left-footers for balance and a blend of youth and experience, dismisses the artificial turf debate, and states without a shadow of a doubt that England can win.