Mark Sampson sees appointment as new start for England women

New England women's head coach Mark Sampson says he sees his appointment as a fresh start for the national side as they begin life after Hope Powell.

Sampson, who led Bristol to second in this season's Super League, was appointed this month after Powell was sacked in August after 15 years charge.

"It's a big job but I'm ready to make the right decisions," the 31-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It's about selecting the right players and giving the players an opportunity."

Sampson will meet the players for the first time at a training camp in La Manga next month.

His first match in charge will be a friendly against Norway on 17 January.

Under Powell, England were losing finalists at Euro 2009 and reached the World Cup in 2007 and 2011, when they made it to the quarter-finals.

Sampson has recalled Lianne Sanderson, who quit playing for her country in 2010 after a fall out with Powell, to the squad this month and believes he has the courage to make big calls.

"I've got strong conviction about my own decisions," he said. "I'll work with staff and players so we're as successful as we can be. If I feel something is right, and it's the right way forward for team, they're decisions I'll make.

"We've got lots of new faces in the squad and that gives me a good opportunity to see where we are at and will help me make some decisions as we move forward.

"The door is fully open for every player. If they perform well for their club and they show that they want to play for England and do well then they'll have a great opportunity to be involved in future squads."

Sampson added it was a "new dawn for women's football" in England as the national team bid to qualify for the 2015 World Cup, having won their opening four group games.

"Hope did an incredible job," he said. "The legacy she has left is one we can take on. I've got five years working at highest level. I feel I'm ready for it."