Last summer, England’s women made history as they successfully defended their European Championship crown in Switzerland. The Lionesses were already considered heroes in their homeland, having famously won the women’s Euro 2022 competition on home turf, beating Germany in the Wembley showpiece after Chloe Kelly’s extra-time winner. However, their title defence last summer was arguably even more impressive.
England’s Rally in Switzerland
England headed to Switzerland somewhat reeling, having lost several key players from their triumphant three years prior. That panic was on full display in their opening game against France, a clash in which the Lionesses were thoroughly outplayed en route to a 2-1 defeat. However, from there, they rallied.
Thrilling wins against Sweden and Italy – the former on penalties and the latter in extra time – set up a second straight final and a rematch of the 2023 women’s World Cup final against Spain. La Roja secured the win and the title in Australia the first time around, but in the rematch, the Lionesses secured their redemption. England were outplayed somewhat, but they weren’t out-battled, and Alessia Russo’s second-half equalizer managed to force a penalty shootout, where Kelly would become the hero once more.
Six months on, and it’s now the men’s team who are in the spotlight, with online betting sites tipping them for glory at the upcoming World Cup in North America. The latest Lucky Rebel soccer betting odds currently list Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions as an 11/2 second-favorite to end 60 long years of hurt this summer, narrowly behind 9/2 frontrunners Spain in the odds lists. But what of their female counterparts?
After their iconic run to back-to-back titles, a slew of England’s most important stars have been honored for their services to English football. But who are they, and what honors exactly have they been awarded? Let’s take a look.
Sarina Wiegman
Manager Sarina Wiegman was appointed England manager back in 2021, and she immediately proceeded to lead the Lionesses to glory as her side won Euro 2022. That achievement saw the Dutch boss awarded with a CBE by King Charles III, despite her not being British. However, after retaining the crown in 2025, it was only a matter of time before her honor was upgraded. Wiegman is now considered a DBE – Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire – the second highest honor in the Honors list.
Leah Williamson
Leah Williamson captained England to success both in 2022 and once again in 2025. She was initially given an OBE courtesy of her role in that maiden triumph, before seeing her honor upgraded to a CBE following her exploits in Switzerland. After marshalling England’s defence throughout its golden era, there is arguably no one more deserving than the Arsenal star.
Millie Bright
Millie Bright got her OBE in 2024, and honestly, England wouldn’t have won either tournament without her. The Chelsea defender formed a brilliant partnership with Williamson at Euro 2022, keeping France, Sweden, and Germany largely at arm’s length. When Williamson went down injured before the World Cup, Bright stepped up as captain, leading England all the way to the final in Sydney.
That tournament showed her leadership credentials beyond doubt. Then at Euro 2025, back in her preferred centre-back role, she was typically solid as England defended their crown. 88 caps before retiring in October 2025. A proper Lioness through and through. The OBE was thoroughly deserved—someone who delivered when it mattered most, tournament after tournament.
Beth Mead
Beth Mead’s MBE came after Euro 2022, and blimey, what a tournament she produced. Six goals, five assists, Golden Boot, Player of the Tournament. She was absolutely unplayable in that Norway demolition in Brighton during the run to the trophy, netting a spellbinding hat trick and allowing England supporters to dream.
The Arsenal forward became the only English player of either gender to win both individual honors at a major tournament. That stat alone tells you how special her summer of 2022 was. That ruptured ACL before the World Cup felt desperately unfair for someone at her absolute peak. She battled back and contributed to Euro 2025, but wasn’t quite the same explosive force. Doesn’t diminish what she achieved in 2022, though. That month belonged to Beth Mead.
Alex Greenwood
Alex Greenwood received her MBE in the 2026 honors list as a double European champion, and she’s one of those players whose brilliance gets overshadowed by flashier teammates. Criminal, really, because Manchester City’s left-back has been absolutely fundamental to England’s success. She netted in that shootout victory against Spain, and without her, the Lionesses may not have even made it that far, let alone lifted the trophy.
Keira Walsh
Walsh got her MBE in 2026, and frankly, she’s the player England can least afford to lose. Barcelona’s midfield anchor dictates tempo, breaks up play, and launches attacks with those trademark diagonal balls that switch play beautifully. The complete modern midfielder.
That serious knee injury in Australia—during the World Cup group stage—genuinely worried everyone. Without Walsh controlling midfield, England looked vulnerable. She fought back, though, returning for Euro 2025 in Switzerland, where she was absolutely imperious.
Ella Toone
Toone’s MBE came in the 2026 honors after contributing significantly to both European triumphs. The Manchester United midfielder scored one of those goals you just know you’ll replay forever—that chipped finish over Germany’s keeper in the Wembley final. Audacious doesn’t cover it. Brave, skillful, and executed under immense pressure to give England a crucial lead. At Euro 2025, she delivered again when it mattered, providing creativity and goalscoring threat from midfield.
Mary Earps
Mary Earps received her MBE in 2024 following heroics at the World Cup in Australia, though curiously, she wasn’t involved in Euro 2025. The Manchester United keeper was England’s last line of defence at Euro 2022, providing assured goalkeeping throughout, then produced arguably the tournament performance of her life in Sydney. She shockingly retired five weeks before Euro 2025, seemingly unwilling to back up new number one Hannah Hampton, but that shouldn’t take anything away from her incredible contribution to the Lionesses.
Lauren Hemp
Lauren Hemp got her MBE in 2024 after starring in Euro 2022 and the World Cup, and watching her terrorize defences has been one of the joys of covering this Lionesses era. At Euro 2025, she started the final against Spain in Basel, continuing her excellent form as England defended their crown, scoring in the 6-1 demolition of Wales in the group stage.
Georgia Stanway
Georgia Stanway received her MBE in 2026 as a double European champion, and she embodies everything admirable about this Lionesses generation. The Bayern Munich midfielder’s energy, tactical discipline, and ability to drive forward made her indispensable across both tournaments.