Mark Sampson, Eni Aluko and Amy Turner on England’s draw against the Netherlands in the Cyprus Cup.
By Tony Leighton
Head Coach Mark Sampson:
“Eni’s goal was just fantastic – you’ve got to be a special player to score a goal out of nothing and that’s what she did.
“It was a difficult game for her against a team that dominates the ball.
“She had to be patient and she didn’t get many opportunities, but she scored when the team needed it and it as a very important moment for us.
“Overall I thought it was a pleasing team performance. We had to stay in the game at times, but we grew into it and in the last 15 minutes we were pushing for the winning goal.
“Now we’ve got the final against a very good Canada team who have had some excellent recent results.
“We’ll have to be at our best to beat them, but this (England) team should be confident of beating anyone.
“We underperformed in last year’s final against France, so we want to redress the balance and get our hands on that Cup again.”
Eni Aluko talks through her equalising wonder goal:
“When I picked the ball up I just wanted to drive at the back four and release a pass.
“But I suddenly found myself in the box and I thought, ‘just go for it.’ I saw the top corner open up and just stuck the ball there.
“I really enjoyed scoring the goal after a run from the right side of the pitch to the left, but by the time I put the ball in I was too knackered to celebrate!
“Was it my best ever goal? Maybe, but I just love scoring for England and I don’t mind if the ball goes in off my backside.
“I was pleased to get the team back in the game and I felt we showed real character to not just come back but then push hard for a winner late on.”
Notts County defender Amy Turner, called into the squad last week as cover for the injured Casey Stoney, was delighted to get her first senior England start after making a debut substitute appearance in Friday’s 3-0 win against Finland.
The sports science teach, currently working at Barnsley College, said: “It was a surprise to get the call-up last week.
“I was at work and I was told, ‘get your sun cream out – you’re going to Cyprus!’
“My students were really happy for me – they think I’m a big deal now, so maybe they’ll listen to me a bit more!
“It’s been great to be with the girls over here and it was a real thrill to make my debut in the Finland game.
“And it was great to get my first start today. I really enjoyed the game and felt I held my own – now I’ve got to work hard to get some more England games.”
IMAGES: Ville Vuroinen/SHEKICKS.NET
VIEW MORE IMAGES FROM THE CYPRUS CUP 2015 HERE.
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