Demi Stokes admits Mark Sampson sacking has led to tough time for England Women

Lionesses left-back Stokes looks set to feature in interim coach Mo Marley's first game in charge, which comes on Friday against France in Valenciennes.

She made the position her own under Sampson, who was sacked by the Football Association on September 20, the day after England beat Russia 6-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier.

Sampson was dismissed for what the FA described as an "inappropriate" relationship with a player during his former role at Bristol Academy, and Marley has stepped up from her England Under-19 post to lead the seniors.

The popularity of Sampson among his England players amplified the shock of his departure.

A largely unchanged squad gathered at St George's Park on Sunday, when Marley addressed them.

Stokes said: "It's change and it's how you deal with that change. People are going to have different emotions and we just said 'share the emotions and help each other', and I think that's the most important thing.

"Even for Mo coming in it's going to be different for her, so can we help her, can we support her, just as much as the staff support us as players? Everyone respects her, so I think that always helps."

Stokes added: "E veryone's just happy that there's someone in place and we can move forward and just look forward to playing again.

"It's been a tough time and there's been a lot of stuff going on, but it's good for the group to get back together, regroup and just doing what we can control."

Taking on France is a welcome distraction.

"Don't get me wrong, it has been tough, and it has been tough for the group, but I think that everyone's looking forward to the game," Stokes said.

"We know it's going to be a hard game."

A 1-0 quarter-final win at Euro 2017 was England's first victory over France since 1974, and they head this week's opponents in the FIFA world rankings.

England have nudged up to third, with France sitting fourth, and are determined their run of success should continue regardless of off-field events.

"France will want to come out and prove something, with us beating them at the Euros," said 25-year-old Stokes. "We know we have to be 100 per cent going into the game."

Claims about Sampson's behaviour by striker Eni Aluko will be examined at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee hearing on Wednesday. Sampson strenuously denies Aluko's allegations of racism, harassment and bullying.

FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn will face questions, with Aluko and Lianne Sanderson - both former regular members of the England squad - both also appearing.

England's current squad have only one focus: moving on.

Manchester City player Stokes said: "A handful of us have played under Mo and been successful under Mo. Mo wants to get the ball down and that's her style. I think we'll be looking to do that."