The England Women team will be hoping they can record only their first World Cup knock out win when they face Norway on Monday. The Lionesses started their campaign on a disappointing note and were at the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of France. However they have put forth decent performances since then picking up consecutive 2-1 victories over the likes of Mexico and Colombia to cement their place in the last 16.
The English Women's side will now be hoping to do what none of the sides of yesteryears could manage, which is to pick a victory in the knockout round. With the Round of 16 stage introduced for the first time only this time around, England have in the past managed to make it into the Quarter Finals in 1995, 2007 and 2011 but failed to progress further.
But Mark Sampson is hopeful that his side can defy history and make it to the next round of the tournament.
"The staff have worked really hard to make sure this group are the most together unit in the tournament and be in a position to sense the pressure," Sampson said.
"This tournament is in our hands."
"Now the big challenge is - can we make history? We want to progress in this tournament, we're ambitious and we're building momentum, but there are tough challenges ahead."
He further expressed his admiration for his opponent's on Monday, but was confident his side could get the better of them.
"Norway are really well organised, fit, strong, determined, and if they can't find a way on the floor they'll put the ball in the air," Sampson said.
"We'll have to manage that threat, but we've got good experience. [Centre-backs] Steph Houghton, Laura Bassett and Casey Stoney have probably headed more balls in the last two games than they have all season."
Norway on the other hand have exceeded expectations as well and are currently unbeaten in the World Cup having defeated Thailand and Ivory Coast in the group stages and picking an impressive draw against the number one side in the world, Germany.
England will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Toni Duggan who was withdrawn in the group stage encounter against Colombia. There is also doubt over Karen Carney, but she is expected to be fit in time, Alex Greenwood on the other hand will have a fitness test to determine her participation in the match.
Norway are all set to welcome back captain Trine Ronning to the squad who has not played since Norway's 4-0 win over Thailand in the group stages.
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