Canada coach John Herdman has praised counterpart Mark Sampson after England knocked out the Women's World Cup hosts to reach the semi-finals.

Goals from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze put England 2-0 up before Christine Sinclair got one back for Canada, but the Lionesses held on and will now play holders Japan for a place in the final.

Herdman told reporters: "Our best just wasn't good enough. We had chances but we never put it in the back of the net. I'll be beating myself up when I look back at the footage."

"They got their tactics right, they worked - congratulations to Mark. We can't hide that we are a transitional team but we wanted to make our country proud and I think we did. All I'm going to say is stick with us - we'll be back and fighting proud."

Herdman added that he had no regrets over reportedly turning down the England job 18 months ago, after Hope Powell left the role.