Six standout members of England’s victorious UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 squad have been awarded MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2026. The royal recognition celebrates their exceptional achievement in successfully defending their European title in Switzerland and their broader contributions to football, marking another remarkable milestone for the national team.
Royal recognition for footballing heroes
The latest Honours List acknowledges a golden era in English football across both youth and senior levels. Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, Lauren James, Alessia Russo, and Jess Carter have each received MBEs for their key roles in England’s victory over reigning world champions Spain in Basel last summer. They are joined by England men’s Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley, who guided his team to consecutive European Under-21 Championship crowns, along with visually impaired sports legend Sam Gough.
FA chief commends historic impact
FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE expressed deep pride in the newly honoured group, highlighting the transformative influence the players and coaching staff have had across the nation. She said: “On behalf of everyone at the FA, I would like to congratulate Alessia, Chloe, Hannah, Jess, Lauren, Lee, Michelle and Sam for their thoroughly deserved MBEs.”
She continued: “Last summer was an unforgettable period when both the Lionesses and the men’s Under-21s secured back-to-back European triumphs for England. These honours not only celebrate their exceptional on-field performances but also their impactful work away from the pitch. They truly embody what it means to be a Lioness—skilled, fearless, and passionately committed to inspiring the next generation.”
“Lee deserves immense credit for leading another group of gifted young footballers to success at the highest level. His ability to nurture and guide emerging talent while maintaining a winning mentality is a tremendous accomplishment.”
“We remain deeply thankful to everyone involved in these four historic European victories from 2022 through 2025. We also extend our congratulations to other football figures recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, including David Dein, Lou Macari, Jason Land, Eleanor Guadella, Anthony Whelan, Michael Barnard, and Scott Rogers.”
Domestic heavyweights express pride
The ripple effect of England’s triumph has been strongly felt within domestic football, particularly at Arsenal, who themselves celebrated continental success in the 2024–25 UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Arsenal Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick said: “On behalf of everyone at Arsenal Football Club, we congratulate Alessia, Chloe and Michelle on receiving MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.”
He added: “Alessia, Chloe and Michelle were instrumental in England’s inspirational Euro 2025 victory last summer, following our historic UEFA Champions League win in May. We take immense pride in their achievements and in the way they represent Arsenal at the highest level of the game.”
Focus shifts to global ambitions
With their European dominance reaffirmed, Sarina Wiegman’s squad now turn their attention to the upcoming Women’s Super League season, kicking off in early September. After narrowly missing automatic qualification through the European Qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the Lionesses face a crucial play-off stage to secure their spot on the global platform. Their opponents and venues will be finalised during the UEFA draw scheduled for Thursday, June 18.
