Jodie Taylor came off the bench in England’s 2-1 win over Colombia to fulfil a lifelong ambition.
The Portland Thorns striker replaced Toni Duggan in the 81st minute of England’s final Group F match at Canada 2015.
England 2-1 Colombia
FIFA Women's World Cup 2015
Group F
Wednesday 17 June
Olympic Stadium, Montreal
It was the 29-year-old’s first appearance in a World Cup match and her ninth cap in total.
After undergoing knee surgery in April she sat out the Lionesses’ opening two group matches – the 1-0 defeat by France and the 2-1 win against Mexico – as a precaution.
Taylor said: “First and foremost it was really important for us to get the three points.
“But on a personal note I’m over the moon to have overcome the injury in time for the World Cup.
“To play on that stage is an unbelievable feeling. It was a lifelong goal to play in a World Cup so it was amazing.
England captain Steph Houghton leads the celebrations in Montreal
“But now it’s time to focus on the latter stages and see how far we can go.”
Taylor is the 21st England player head coach Sampson has used in the World Cup so far.
Only goalkeepers Siobhan Chamberlain and Carly Telford have yet to feature.
“You can’t win a tournament with just 11 players. It’s not possible”
Jodie Taylor
And Taylor believes the manager’s faith in his 23-player squad could be rewarded in the knockout stages.
England will take on Norway in the last-16 on Monday.
Taylor added: “You can’t win a tournament with just 11 players. It’s not possible.
"The manager needs to be able to use his squad and I think that showed against Colombia.
“Anyone of our squad can play and it won’t change our balance. That speaks volumes of our team.
“It is a huge advantage for us as we move forward in this tournament.”
