Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton 'in line for MBEs' after penalty shoot-out heroics in England's Euro 2025 triumph
The Lionesses retained their European crown in thrilling fashion on Sunday, with Sarina Wiegman 's side winning 3-1 on penalties against Spain after a 1-1 draw between the rivals.
Hampton, who usurped Mary Earps as England's No 1 before the tournament, produced two crucial saves in the shoot-out.
Her heroics gave Kelly the chance to seal victory, with the winger comfortably converting her penalty to spark wild celebrations.
According to the Guardian, Hampton and Kelly have already been lined up as possible contenders to receive MBEs in the New Years Honours list.
Four England stars were honoured when the Lionesses lifted the trophy back in 2022, with Kelly missing out despite scoring the winning goal in the final.
England captain Leah Williamson received an OBE following the triumph, with Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White becoming MBEs.
Further honours were bestowed when England reached the World Cup final in 2023, where they were eventually beaten by Spain.
Mille Bright, who captained England in Williamson's absence, was awarded an OBE.
Earps and Lauren Hemp secured MBEs for their performances which helped England to finish as runners-up.
In addition to their role in the shoot-out success, Kelly and Hampton were key throughout the tournament.
Hampton has earned praise for being arguably England's most consistent performer during the campaign, with the Chelsea shot-stopper also making two saves in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Sweden.
Despite not starting a match in the competition, Arsenal winger Kelly made a telling contribution from the bench.
Kelly delivered an assist as England fought back from 2-0 against Sweden in the last eight, while she scored the 119th minute winner against Italy in the semi-finals.
She then turned provider again in the final for Alessia Russo's equaliser, after being introduced as a first half substitute in place of the injured Lauren James.
According to the report, England captain Williamson's current OBE could be upgraded to a CBE.
It follows Williamson leading England to success Euros triumphs, as well as being the first to captain the nation to a title in an overseas football tournament at senior level.
England boss Wiegman is expected to receive an honorary damehood after becoming the first coach of the national team to secure two major honours.
The Dutch manager was reported to be set for an honorary damehood two years ago before the Lionesses' suffered an agonising defeat in the World Cup final to Spain.
After England won Euro 2022, the 55-year-old was made CBE on the UK's overseas list with the permission of the Dutch government.
She was made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau for leading her native Netherlands to Euro 2017, which she followed up by reaching the final of the 2019 World Cup.
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