Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that England's Lionesses will receive honours following their Euro 2025 victory, declaring that "recognition is coming." The team secured back-to-back European titles by defeating Spain in a penalty shoot-out in Basel last Sunday, becoming the first senior England side to lift a major trophy abroad.
The Prime Minister lauded the players for inspiring a generation, including his own daughter, and for embodying "decency, fairness and respect." Among those tipped for honours are Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the final, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two Spanish spot-kicks. Head coach Sarina Wiegman could be made an honorary dame.
Starmer wrote in The Sun on Sunday that the Lionesses' success was about "more than football," highlighting their resilience in coming from behind against Sweden, Italy, and Spain, and their stand against racist abuse during the tournament. He added: "What Sarina and our Lionesses have achieved is nothing short of remarkable. So recognition is coming – and it will be worthy of their historic success."
The Cabinet Office oversees the honours process, and recipients are confirmed only upon official announcement. Following the Lionesses' 2022 win, captain Leah Williamson received an OBE, while Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead, and Ellen White were awarded MBEs. The Government has also committed to delivering a legacy of equal access to sport for girls and boys in schools, a key demand from the squad after their previous triumph.
