UTRECHT, July 19, 2017 – England head coachMark Sampson could afford a smile after the Lionesses opened up in style atUEFA Women's EURO 2017.
Reviewing the crushing of Scotland’sexpectations, Sampson said: "To score six goals and have a clean sheet isvery good. The most important for me is to see the team enjoying and thrivingin such a pressing situation.”
For Scotland it was a historic day, notonly the debut of their women’s national team at a senior championship but thefirst appearance of any senior national team since the men’s team played at theWorld Cup in France 1998.
But there was no extra happy birthdayresult for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for whom the Scottish supporters hadcreated a banner marking the occasion.
Sampson added: "I am pleased with theperformance and the result. Scotland caused some problems the first 20 minutes.They could definitely still advance from the group. But overall I am reallypleased. I thought the team were outstanding tonight."
Jodie Taylor delivered the first hat-trickat a women’s European Championship for 20 years and the first English hat-trickat a women's Euro as well. She was substituted, protectively, early in thesecond half and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Taylor's first appearance in the tournament- qualifying included - ended with a member of staff tracking down thematchball for signing by the rest of the team.
She said: "I am happy to score and getthree goals but all credit to everyone else who gave me the ball.”
Taylor has had many injury problems in hercareer and was thus extra delighted to be in such a good shape.
She said: "It means a lot. Just to behere and to be fit and healthy are a huge achievement from myself."
Next up Scotland face Portugal whileEngland take on Spain.
Scotland’s head coach Anna Signeul wasdisappointed while acknowleding "a tough debut."
She sadded: "England team arecontenders at this tournament. They were very good in all areas. We are ofcourse disappointed to lose by so many goals. But what we learned from this isto work on our resilience and come back. It is not over for us."
Follow Karl Sundström on Twitter @sundstrom_karl
