Mark Sampson: 'Canada are aggressive and lucky'

England Women manager Mark Sampson has played down the threat of host nation Canada ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash in Vancouver, describing the opposition as overly aggressive and lucky.

The two teams will meet at the BC Place at 12.30am BST on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Canada are attempting to reach their second World Cup semi-final, while the Lionesses have never made it past the last eight.

Sampson told BBC Sport: "There's been a different Canadian team at this tournament. They've relied on some fortunate decisions and big individual moments. I'm not sure we've seen Canada score a really strong goal.

"We've got a qualified referee on our staff and looking back at their games he says the number of fouls awarded against them could have been quadrupled. I hope the referee realises there are 22 players on the pitch."

England have beaten Canada twice and lost once since Sampson replaced former boss Hope Powell in December 2013.