Mark Sampson was overjoyed to see his Lionesses become the first England team of either gender to reach a World Cup semi final since Sir Bobby Robson’s side reached the last four at Italia 90. “I’m just so proud of the players, the staff,” said England’s 32-year-old Welsh born coach after watching his players beat Canada 2-1 in front of 54,000 at BC Place. “To get a result in front of that atmosphere, that crowd and an excellent Canadian team is unbelievable, incredible.” Sampson – whose side face the holders Japan in the semi final in Edmonton on Wednesday – laughed when asked if a Welshman could prove the saviour of English football. “I’m proud of my team and of women’s football, it was an incredible performance,” he said. “It was a sell out and I’ve never been in a crowd, an atmosphere like that. We had to dig deep. Canada took us to the limit. John Herdman and his team pushed us to the wire they made us fight for every ball, defend with our lives. “This team has shown incredible character, resilience and togetherness. These players have shown a desire I’ve never seen from an England team before.”…