England’s unforgettable Euro 2025 success is still making waves — and this latest recognition may be one of the most meaningful yet.
Six members of the Lionesses squad that defeated Spain to retain the UEFA Women’s European Championship have been awarded MBEs in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, a powerful acknowledgement of both their achievements on the pitch and their wider impact on English football.
For a generation of players who helped transform the visibility of women’s football, the honours feel like another landmark moment.
And that’s where this story becomes bigger than football.
Six Euro 2025 winners receive royal recognition
The newly published honours list includes:
- Hannah Hampton
- Chloe Kelly
- Alessia Russo
- Lauren James
- Michelle Agyemang
- Jess Carter
All six played roles in England’s successful defence of their European title in Switzerland, where the Lionesses overcame world champions Spain in Basel.
Their MBEs recognise contributions to football following a period that has seen England establish itself as one of the dominant forces in the women’s game.
But the honours were not limited to the senior squad.
England men’s Under-21 manager Lee Carsley was also awarded an MBE after guiding his side to consecutive European Under-21 Championship titles.
Visually impaired sporting figure Sam Gough was similarly recognised.
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Quick Breakdown
| Recipient | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Hannah Hampton | MBE |
| Chloe Kelly | MBE |
| Alessia Russo | MBE |
| Lauren James | MBE |
| Michelle Agyemang | MBE |
| Jess Carter | MBE |
| Lee Carsley | MBE |
| Sam Gough | MBE |
Why this moment feels different
England’s women have collected trophies before.
They have received praise before.
But honours of this scale underline how deeply their influence has spread beyond stadiums and television audiences.
FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE praised the recipients and highlighted the broader impact they have had across society.
According to Hewitt, the players embody the qualities associated with the Lionesses: talent, courage and a desire to inspire future generations.
That message reflects a wider reality.
The Euro victories have become cultural moments as much as sporting achievements, helping drive attention, participation and discussion around women’s football across England.
But that’s only part of the story.
Arsenal’s stars continue remarkable run
The honours list also carried special significance for Arsenal.
Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang were among the players recognised after a period of extraordinary success for both club and country.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick congratulated the trio and highlighted their role in England’s Euro-winning campaign.
Their recognition comes after Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in the 2024-25 season, reinforcing the club’s growing influence at the highest level of the women’s game.
For Arsenal supporters, the latest honours provide yet another reminder of how many elite international performers now wear the club’s colours.
Contrarian View: Should honours come only after major trophies?
Not everyone views sporting honours through the same lens.
A recurring debate emerges whenever major awards are announced: should national honours primarily reward trophy-winning success, or should they recognise long-term contributions regardless of medals?
Supporters of the current selections point to the Lionesses’ historic achievements and transformative influence on football participation and visibility.
Others argue that many figures working behind the scenes in football often receive less attention despite years of contribution.
The debate is unlikely to disappear.
What remains undisputed, however, is the role these players played in one of England’s biggest sporting achievements of recent years.
What happens next?
While celebrations continue, attention is already shifting back to football.
The Lionesses now face an important challenge on the road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
After missing out on automatic qualification through the European qualifying campaign, England must navigate the play-off route.
The next key date arrives on June 18, when UEFA is scheduled to determine England’s play-off opponents and match locations.
That means the feel-good atmosphere surrounding the honours list will quickly give way to fresh pressure.
Because in elite sport, yesterday’s success rarely guarantees tomorrow’s.
And perhaps that is what makes this moment so significant.
The medals recognise what this group has already achieved.
The next chapter will determine how much further they can go.
As England prepares for another major World Cup push, one question now hangs over the Lionesses: can this celebrated generation turn European dominance into global glory?
Editorial Disclaimer: This article is based entirely on publicly available information and statements contained in the source material. No facts, quotes, outcomes or timelines have been altered or fabricated. Analysis and interpretation may evolve as new information becomes available.