Women's World Cup 2015: England land at Heathrow

England's players were greeted by fans at Heathrow Airport on their return from Canada after an impressive performance at the Women's World Cup.

Mark Sampson's team wore the bronze medals they won after defeating Germany 1-0 in the third-place play-off.

Family and fans were at Heathrow to welcome the Lionesses home at 07:30 BST on Monday.

"Hopefully we can keep going now and get the crowds out, keep the interest going," said midfielder Jill Scott.

Despite losing their opening group game to France, England defeated Mexico and Colombia before going on to beat Norway and hosts Canada in the knockout stages.

Defender Laura Bassett, 31, scored a heartbreaking own goal in injury time which saw England suffer a 2-1 defeat by Japan in the semi-final.

But a first victory over Germany in 31 years secured the best World Cup finish by any England team since the men's side won the competition in 1966.

"I'm lucky that my team-mates were incredible with me," Bassett told BBC Sport.

"All the messages of support from back home really help. But I'd still give anything to change that moment."

England begin their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign in September.

They are in the same group as Belgium, Serbia, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Estonia.

England's women beat two-time World Cup winners Germany for the first time in 21 attempts

Defender Casey Stoney is re-united with her children as the England women's team arrive back at Heathrow Airport

England manager Mark Sampson (centre) poses for photographs with England fans at Heathrow