Victorious Lionesses are our 'national pride' say MPs and call for squad to be given damehoods following stunning Euros victory
Tory MP Wendy Morton said the entire England women's football team should be honoured, insisting their collective achievement must not go unrecognised - unlike last time they won.
'These girls have done something extraordinary,' she said. 'They are such an inspiration so they absolutely should receive recognition for that.
'It was a team effort, so they should be honoured as a team. Often the people behind the scenes, and those who practice but don't actually get called to play, miss out on the glory - and they shouldn't.'
Fellow Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage also backed calls for official recognition, saying: 'They are our national pride. They showed remarkable resilience, teamwork and strength of character.
'They are a total inspiration and one of our most successful national teams.'
The Lionesses captured the nation's hearts with their run of historic victories, and campaigners say it is time their achievements were properly rewarded.
When they scored their first historic European Championship victory in 2022, just four of the players got gongs.
At the time, honours committee chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said the panel wanted to reward outstanding performances rather than the whole team, as they hadn't won the World Cup.
Yesterday, Labour's Sarah Champion MP said she supported giving damehoods to all players '100 per cent'.
'Their courage and dedication to the game has inspired women and girls across the country to get involved with football,' she said.
'It would publicly show that we recognise and celebrate the achievements of women and girls, and they could do the same.'
Nigel Huddleston, shadow culture, media and sport minister, said 'honours should be lavished upon the lionesses'.
'The purpose of the honours system is to recognise outstanding contributions and achievements, including in the field of sport,' he said. 'The lionesses have certainly been outstanding.
'While not every member of the team may receive an honour this year, I am confident that most will be recognised over the course of their careers - and deservedly so.'
Shadow sports minister Louie French MP added: 'These incredible players deserve to be celebrated and honoured in any way our nation can.'
Tory MP Shivani Raja said recognising the Lionesses would show young girls and future athletes what is possible.
'They have once again shown just how powerful and inspiring women's sport can be,' she said. 'Their incredible performances reflect real strength, determination, and talent. We must keep backing brilliant role models like these.'
Last night, a Downing Street spokesman hinted that members of the victorious team may be recognised in the honours system, saying: 'There is an independent process for nominations, but I hope we will see lots of nominations for this team.'
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