Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that England's Lionesses will be recognised with honours following their Euro 2025 victory, stating that 'recognition is coming'. The team became back-to-back European champions after defeating Spain in a penalty shoot-out in Basel, becoming the first senior England side to lift a major trophy overseas.
The Prime Minister praised the players for inspiring a generation, including his own daughter, and for representing 'decency, fairness and respect'. Among those tipped for recognition are Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two Spanish spot-kicks. Head coach Sarina Wiegman could be made an honorary dame.
Writing in The Sun on Sunday, Sir Keir said 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. 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 Government is committed to delivering a legacy of 'equal access to all sport for girls and boys' in schools, a key demand from the squad after their 2022 triumph. The Cabinet Office oversees the honours process, and recipients are not confirmed until officially announced, but sporting heroes have often been rewarded.
