Mark Sampson is confident about England's injury concerns
Monday 29 June 2015 07:17, UK
England head coach Mark Sampson is hoping to have a fully-fit squad available to choose from for his side’s first ever Women's World Cup semi-final.
After arriving in Edmonton the squad will have just 48 hours to prepare before their tie with Japan on Wednesday and, for the first time in the competition, Sampson has injury concerns following their quarter-final win over hosts Canada.
Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley had to be replaced five minutes into the second half of that match suffering from eye inflammation while Fara Williams is also struggling with a knock.
However, Sampson is hoping to have both available for selection.
He said: “KB (Bardsley) is in a much better place today – the swelling has gone down a lot.
“Obviously we’ve sent some tests to go back to the UK to find out exactly what happened but I think it was just a one-off event.
“She was obviously allergic to something that happened and the eye has puffed up a little bit. It’s clearly far better now and we’re confident that she will be in a great place to train tomorrow and get back with the team.
“It will take a lot to pull Fara Williams away from selection for the next game and we’re confident that she will be fit and we can tie that one up.”
The players will have to adapt to a new city and its conditions very quickly, with Edmonton going through something of a heatwave.
It is expected that the squad will run through tactical work as opposed to overexerting themselves on the training ground.
“It is a short turnaround - it feels really quick,” Sampson added. “The players have had to get up early today and get on that plane and they are enjoying some time off now and relaxing, getting a feel for this city.
“But certainly tomorrow morning we are back to work because we’ve got a lot of work to do for the Japan game to make sure we are ready for it.
“We knew from the start that this was a journey we wanted to continue right through to the final and the players have bought in.
“I’m certain by the time we get in that meeting room tomorrow they will be energised, enthused and really determined to find out how we are going to approach this game.”
