Blatter inspired by England women

Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter hailed an “inspiring” England performance as Mark Sampson’s side finished third in the Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Fara Williams’ extra-time penalty handed the Lionesses a 1-0 win over Germany in the play-off to secure a bronze medal and the best finish by any England team at a World Cup since the men were victorious in 1966.

Blatter had been expected to attend the final in Vancouver but Fifa confirmed neither he nor general secretary Jerome Valcke would attend the match “due to their current commitments in Zurich”.