English football is well represented in the King’s Birthday Honours for 2026.
Six members of England’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025-winning squad have been awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire), while England men’s under-21s head coach Lee Carsley has also received an MBE.
Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Jess Carter have been honoured with MBEs for services to football.
The Lionesses retained their European crown out in Switzerland last summer, beating world champions Spain in the final on penalties in Basel, with Hampton, Kelly, Agyemang, James, Russo and Carter all playing a starring role.
And MU21s boss Carsley has also been awarded an MBE for services to football.
Carsley’s Young Lions went back-to-back last year, winning the UEFA EURO U21 2025 title in Slovakia, having also done so in 2023 under his management.
He was appointed in July 2021 – his second spell with England's development teams, having previously worked as an assistant coach with the MU19s team during the 2015-16 season. He was also the men’s senior interim head coach and led the Three Lions to promotion in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 campaign.
Sam Gough, captain of the England women's blind team, also received an MBE for services to sport and the visually impaired community.
Meanwhile, David Dein – the former co-owner and vice-chairman of Arsenal, who helped to found the Premier League – has been honoured with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to football and to charity through the Twinning Project.
Jason Land, the Disability and Inclusion Lead at Grimsby Town Foundation, has received a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to football.
Eleanor Guedalla has also been awarded a BEM for services to football for women and marginalised communities.
Former Scotland international Lou Macari – who played for Manchester United, among other clubs, and enjoyed a career in management – was awarded an MBE for services to football and to homeless people.
Manchester United youth coach Anthony Whelan, who began his playing career with the club and went on to represent Manchester City and Rochdale, has received an MBE.
Michael Barnard, president of the Mid Staffordshire Junior Football League, has received a BEM for services to grassroots football.
Scott Rogers of the England Amputee Football Association has been awarded a BEM for services to disability sport.
The FA Chair, Debbie Hewitt MBE, said: “On behalf of everyone at the FA, I would like to congratulate Alessia, Chloe, Hannah, Jess, Lauren, Lee, Michelle and Sam for their thoroughly deserved MBEs.
“Last summer was a very special time with both the Lionesses and the men’s under 21s delivering back-to-back European success for the country.
“These Honours recognise not only the unforgettable performances by this group of women, but also their outstanding contributions off the pitch. They all embody what it is to be a Lioness; talented, courageous, and a burning desire to lift society and inspire a generation of fans.
“Lee deserves every credit for leading another group of talented young players and his dedicated staff to win at the highest level again. As well as developing and supporting the next generation of our elite male footballers, finding the way to win consistently is an incredible achievement.
“We remain profoundly grateful for the contributions of everyone involved in these four historic EURO victories from 2022 through to 2025.
“We would also like to commend the other members of the football family who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours including David Dein, Lou Macari, Jason Land, Eleanor Guadella, Anthony Whelan, Michael Barnard, and Scott Rogers.”
