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”.

But he tweeted following England’s win: “An inspiring performance by the Lionesses in Canada. Congratulations @england on making #FIFAWWC history.”

Captain Steph Houghton now hopes England can hang onto manager Mark Sampson, who was plucked from Women’s Super League side Bristol Academy barely 18 months ago to lead England.

He has led a regeneration of the squad, to the point where England finished the World Cup as Europe’s top side.

Welshman Sampson is just 32 and never played football professionally but learned his trade at university, before going on to head up Swansea’s centre of excellence.

Success with England Women will mean Sampson has caught many an eye, but he signed a four-year contract with the FA in December 2013.

“We all want Mark to stay,” said Houghton, 27. “It’s shown in this tournament what a great manager and coach he is, to be able to change our tactics from game to game and adjust our game plan depending on who we’ve been playing and give that element of surprise to the opposition.

England might be welcomed home as heroes, but Houghton treats that tag with caution. “I wouldn’t say we’re heroes, but it’s nice to get recognised for wearing the shirt with pride and giving everything we’ve got and for the performances we’ve given in this tournament.”

“It’s an honour to be talked about in connection with the special team of 1966,” said Sampson. “I really hope that in 50 to 60 years’ time, this team is still spoken about for some of the special moments they have brought to the world.”