Three of England’s Women’s World Cup players have been recognised in the New Year Honours List.
Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp have all been honoured for their part in the Lionesses’ run to the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand.
Bright captained Sarina Wiegman’s side at the tournament with regular skipper Leah Williamson missing out through injury and receives an OBE.
“I’m so gobsmacked,” Bright told the BBC. “I don’t think it’ll sink in for a long time — it’s an honour that you never ever expect to be given. Just really proud.”
Goalkeeper Earps, who also won BBC Sports Personality of the Year earlier this month, receives an MBE, as does forward Hemp.
England won the European Championships on home soil in 2022 but fell just short of adding the world crown a year later losing 1-0 to Spain in the final.
Elsewhere in football, England’s most-capped men’s player Peter Shilton, who was already an OBE, receives a CBE.
Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has been made an OBE while former Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson receives the same honour.
Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham also receives an OBE with Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom recognised with an MBE.
Bloom said: “I’m incredibly proud and truly humbled to receive…
