Just four of England’s 23 Lionesses who won Euro 2022 have been recognised in the New Years Honours list.
Captain Leah Williamson is being made an OBE, while Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White have received MBEs.
England’s triumph over the summer marked the first time either the men’s or women’s football team had won a major tournament since 1966 and Sarina Wiegman’s side did it in style.
Among their results were an 8-0 thrashing of Norway, a 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden and of course the 2-1 final victory over Germany at a raucous Wembley.
Given all that, it was hoped that all members of the squad would be honoured in King Charles III’s first New Year’s list.
But only the aforementioned quartet have been named, with many notable players missing out, not least Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly who both scored in the final.
Also not included are super sub Alessia Russo, as well as goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Kiera Walsh who were named in the Team of the Tournament, the latter also winning player of the match in the final.
This decision has been questioned after previous lists honoured all members of triumphant national teams.
In 2003, all 31 England players used in the Rugby World Cup were included on that year’s New Year Honours list, while the 2005 Ashes-winning England cricket team were also universally recognised.
It should be noted that this has not always been the case however, with only three men who played key roles in the 2011 Ashes-winning side making the cut for example.
Sir Hugh Robertson, chairman of the honours sports committee, explained why not all of the Lionesses had been included.
He said: ‘The approach that we’ve tried to take with this is when we have these events there is a danger in sort of carpet bombing the entire squad because then you get people who’ve done five minutes on the pitch and get an award.
‘So what we’ve tried to do is stick to the principle of the honours system which is to recognise excellence and to recognise extraordinary contributions.’
MORE : Lionesses star Beth Mead wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award 2022
MORE : Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman sets her sights on World Cup 2023 success
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