An extra time penalty from Fara Williams ensured a first-ever victory over European champions Germany in the Third Place Play-Off on Saturday evening.
Having suffered a painful defeat to Japan on Wednesday in the Semi-Final, the England head coach was delighted with his side’s response in Edmonton.
England 1-0 Germany (AET)
FIFA Women's World Cup 2015
Third-place play-off
Saturday 4 July
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
“I don’t know where they get it from. They just find a way,” he said after the full time whistle.
“Life’s horrible, you get a kick in the teeth sometimes just when you think you have made it. We got a big kick in the teeth in that Semi-Final. But we wanted to show the world today that everybody has tough times, but you have to dust yourself down and pick yourself up and go again.”
The Lionnesses produced a strong display to record a 1-0 win, and it was a result England fully-deserved according to the manager.
Sampson hailed his 'amazing' side
“They are just awesome these group of players and we deserved that,” he told BBC Sport.
“We have come to this tournament and every game we have played we have been fighting away.
“We played three of the top nations in the world – France, Japan and Germany – and this team are incredible.
“[Now it’s time for] A massive, massive celebration.”
