England women's senior team recognised in King's New Year Honours list

A number of the England women’s senior team players and staff have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026.

Following on from the Lionesses’ victory at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in July, when they sealed a second successive EURO title, seven members of the group who returned from Switzerland have received honours.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire), a title which is only awarded to foreign nationals for services to the UK or for international achievement.

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, who was also the skipper when England won their first EURO on home soil in 2022, has been honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) having previously received an OBE in the New Year Honours List of 2023.

There are also MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awards for a further four members of the squad in the shape of Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone following their contributions.

Further recognition comes with an MBE for the long-serving England women’s team doctor, Dr Ritan Mehta, head of women's medical at the FA, who has been working with the Lionesses since June 2014 having previously served with both men’s and women’s development teams.

England women’s first Black international and goalscorer Kerry Davis has also been recognised, with an MBE for her services to football and diversity in sport. During her career with the Lionesses, Kerry scored 43 goals in 90 appearances having debuted in 1982.

Speaking about her award, Wiegman said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honour. When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced from the English people. I deeply thank the fans for their support.

“This title is a reflection of my exceptional team of players and staff. My congratulations go to Alex, Ella, Georgia, Keira, Leah and also Dr Ritan Mehta who have all been celebrated for their brilliant contributions.

“Our team values mean that when there is recognition for one, then there is recognition for all. I want to pay tribute to every member of our EURO squad. They should all be celebrated for everything they brought to the pitch and for the positive role they play in society. I’m proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of people.

"I'd also like to congratulate Kerry Davis, she is a Lionesses legend and the women's game would not be where it is today without her, and the contribution of so many former players. We have a lot to thank her for.

“It’s been a special year and as we look ahead to our next objective, qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, we hope we can continue to make the country proud.”

Dr Ritan Mehta added: “It is an absolute privilege to be awarded an MBE, and I can hardly believe it.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the FA, the Lionesses’ players and staff, and to my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout my career. I would be nowhere without their encouragement and guidance. In particular, I want to pay tribute to my wife, children, parents and brother for always being by my side.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have provided medical care to the Lionesses over the past eleven and a half years. To have played a part in supporting the team as they achieved their dreams — including back-to-back UEFA Women’s European Championship titles and World Cup bronze and silver medals — has been the ultimate honour.”

FA chair Debbie Hewitt MBE said: “It has been another historic year for the Lionesses, and on behalf of everyone at the FA, I would like to congratulate Alex, Ella, Georgia, Keira and Leah.

“All of their contributions extend far beyond their outstanding performances on the pitch, which helped secure back-to-back European Championships in 2022 and 2025. Equally important is their shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. Each of them has embraced the responsibility of being a role model for a generation of girls with sincerity and purpose. They have not only lifted trophies but helped lift the sport and society itself. Their recognition is thoroughly deserved.

“In Sarina Wiegman, we feel incredibly privileged to have not only the world’s leading head coach, but also an exceptional leader - someone who leads with integrity, humility, and a deep belief in human connection. This award recognises her remarkable achievements on the pitch and the profound impact she continues to make away from it. It is further testament to how she has captured the hearts of the English public.

“Our sincere congratulations also to Dr Ritan Mehta on being awarded an MBE. Having worked with the Lionesses with distinction since 2014, we are delighted his contribution to the team, and the sport, has been recognised in this way.

“We would also like to pay tribute to the entire EURO squad and support staff. Each and every individual played a vital role in this summer’s success. In the environment Sarina’s nurtured, no contribution is greater than any other and we are immensely proud of them all.

“Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations, on behalf of the FA, to other members of the football family who have been recognised with honours. The current generation of Lionesses stand on the shoulders of trailblazers such as Kerry Davis. The sport would not be where it is today without her contribution, and we all have much to thank her for."