England head coach Mark Sampson has praised his side for showing character and holding off a Canada fightback to book their place in the Women's World Cup semi-finals.

Goals from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze put England into an early 2-0 lead, but the hosts hit back through a goal from Christine Sinclair.

Canada heaped pressure onto England's defence, but they remained firm to reach the last four.

Sampson told BBC Sport: "What a show of resilience and character. We didn't play much football today, Canada were outstanding but this team just won't give in. I don't know where this team found their energy. We got ourselves through and I could not be prouder.

"Every player run through brick walls for this team. We had to get to levels we have never been before. It was a do or die game and we came out on top."

England will meet Japan in the semi-finals on Wednesday.