Portugal v England Women preview: Lionesses seek quarter-final spot

England boss Mark Sampson has emphasised the importance of momentum ahead of his side's final group match against Portugal at the Women's European Championships.

The Lionesses are on the brink of qualification for the knockout phase after a 6-0 win over Scotland and a 2-0 success against Spain in their first two games, and a point on Thursday would guarantee top spot in Group D.

With that in mind, coupled with the exertions of the players against Spain, who had more than 70 per cent of possession against England, it has been suggested that Sampson could make changes against Portugal, who are the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition.

However, he insists England will not be taking their foot off the gas as they chase a third straight win.

"We're focused on the next game. We know why we're here - we're here to win," he told Sky Sports News.

"Whoever stands in our way we're going to find a way to get through them, round them or over them. We want to make sure we keep moving in this tournament and we're the last team to go home.

"At the moment our focus is on momentum and making sure we keep momentum and keep moving forward. We want to move into the knockout stage feeling that we're confident, full of belief and that we've got a real sense of momentum behind us.

"If that's the case then whoever we face, one, we'll be ready for it, and two, they will be aware that we're a good team."

Barcelona-bound Toni Duggan could be one of the players to come into the team against Portugal while defender Casey Stoney has been nursing a hamstring injury but could be on the bench.

While Sampson will hope to finish the group stage with a flourish - and book a potentially easier tie in the last eight - England could reach the quarter-finals even if they suffer a surprise defeat.

A one or two-goal loss would not be enough to prevent their progress, with goal difference in England's advantage if they slip up and Spain win.

Scotland will be hoping for a favour from the side that thrashed them 6-0 in the opening game, though. Anna Signeul's side must win by two goals against Spain and hope England do the business.

"I think it will be another tough game," defender Millie Bright said. "We need to make sure we stay switched on. But we're fit, we're ready and we just want to go out there and perform."