Two England Lionesses set for MBEs after Euro 2025 heroics following honours for host of stars for 2022 triumph
DAME THE LION Two England Lionesses set for MBEs after Euro 2025 heroics following honours for host of stars for 2022 triumph
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ENGLAND heroes Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are expected to be awarded MBEs for their incredible displays at the Euros.
Kelly smashed in the Euros-sealing penalty against Spain, while Hampton saved two spot-kicks in the shootout in Switzerland on Sunday.
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Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are expected to be awarded MBEs
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Kelly scored the winning penalty to seal back-to-back Euros titles for England
Credit: Getty
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The Lionesses are set to be lavished with nominations in the new year honours list following their historic European Championship victory.
Sarina Wiegman's squad were widely honoured after winning the European title for the first time three years ago.
Captain Leah Williamson was named as an OBE, while Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White received MBEs.
Stand-in captain Millie Bright was also awarded an OBE, and Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp got MBEs, after England reached the World Cup final 12 months later.
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Kelly missed out in 2022 despite scoring England's match-winning goal in their extra-time win over Germany in the final at Wembley.
But that oversight that is expected to be corrected by Downing Street in the next honour list, according to The Guardian.
The nomination process for honours is managed by the Cabinet Office, with Kelly and Hampton regarded as shoo-ins for the way they have thrilled a nation.
And Sunday's triumph over Spain wasn't the first time the pair have saved England over the last month.
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Kelly came off the bench again to change the game against Spain by assisting Alessia Russo's equaliser and then scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout.
In the semi-final against Italy, the Arsenal winger scored England's winner in the last minute of extra time winner from a penalty rebound.
'This is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played' says Sarina Wiegman
And it doesn't stop there, with Kelly coming off the bench to save England from losing 2-0 against Sweden in the quarter-finals.
With her first touch of the ball, the former Manchester City forward swung in a delicious assist for Lucy Bronze to head home, before providing another cross for Michelle Agyemang's leveller.
After sending the tie to extra-time, Kelly was one of three England players to score their penalties in the shootout against Sweden.
Meanwhile, Chelsea keeper Hampton, 24, again saved two penalties against Sweden.
Williamson's OBE may also be upgraded to a CBE as recognition for the Arsenal defender becoming the first footballer to lead England to successive major titles, as well as becoming the first captain to lift a major trophy on foreign soil.
The 28-year-old missed the 2023 World Cup after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury three months before the tournament.
Wiegman was awarded an honorary CBE after England's first European Championship win – she is a Dutch citizen – which is now expected to be upgraded to an honorary damehood.
The 55-year-old has two years left on her contract with the FA with no immediate plans to discuss an extension as she has already committed to leading England to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Much-loved pundit Jill Scott was rewarded with MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to women's football.
The England team flew home from Zurich on Monday afternoon and are expected to be welcomed to Downing Street.
Fans were warned not to travel to the airport to greet their heroes, due to travel chaos.
Hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Sports Minister, the victorious side will be welcomed alongside coaches and representatives from the Football Association.
An open-top bus victory parade will then kick off on Tuesday in London.
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