Lionesses heroes all deserve New Year honours recognition as petition launched

King Charles' first New Years honours list could see multiple Lionesses awarded titles.

On January 1 2023, as with every New Year's Day, the British Honours system sees nominees awarded with honours such as knighthoods, medals or ranks in recognition of their achievements. And after producing arguably the standout moment of the UK sporting year, it is widely anticipated the Lionesses could be in line to be receive titles

Speculation persists that Sarina Wiegman, captain Leah Williamson and golden boot winner, a nd newly crowned Sports Personality of the Year, Beth Mead are likely to receive OBE, CBE or MBEs when the announcement is made. However, it is unknown if the other members in the squad will also be recognised by the honours system.

The likes of Ellen White, Keira Walsh, Lauren Hemp, Mary Earps and Lucy Bronze all played huge roles on England's way to glory in the summer. While Wiegman's utilisation of Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Jill Scott from the substitutes bench also proved crucial in the Lionesses brining football home.

It would be hard to acknowledge the contribution of some players to the overall achievement, whilst ignoring others. This raises the possibility that the entire 23-player squad and Wiegman could all be given titles in some form when the list is revealed on New Year's Day.

The only other time in history an England senior football team won a major tournament came when the men triumphed in the 1966 World Cup. Although all weren't honoured immediately, by the end of the 20th century, every member of the team had been honoured with at least MBEs.

In addition, the entire England Men's Rugby Union squad all received MBEs, as a minimum, after winning their World Cup in 2003. Whilst, slightly controversially, the entire England Men's cricket team that won the 2005 Ashes Series against Australia, all received at least an MBE.

Only two female footballing figures have received damehoods, Sue Campbell and Heather Rabbatts, the first woman to be appointed as a director at the FA. No one has yet to receive the title based on playing achievements.

In response to the news that only Mead and Williamson were likely to receive honours, an online petition created by sports journalist and commentator Michael McCann entitled ' Give honours to ALL of the Lionesses playing squad that won the 2022 Euros' was created. In just over 24 hours of the petition going live, it has already been signed by well over 1,000 people.

Considering how the Lionesses have potentially inspired millions of young girls to play football thanks to their win, few would begrudge seeing the entire squad recognised in some form. Whether the honours committee, who decide which individuals receive titles, will take the petition into account remains to be seen.

However, if a large proportion of the 23 squad don't feature in the list, some fans are likely to ask the question why the entirety of England's national men's teams are honoured, but not the women?

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