Six England World Cup winners named MBEs in 2026 honours list

England's Euro 2025-winning Lionesses received MBEs alongside rugby league knight Kevin Sinfield in the King's Birthday Honours for 2026.

Sinfield receives knighthood Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours list for 2026. The former England and Leeds Rhinos captain becomes only the second rugby league figure to receive such an honour, following Billy Boston. Neil Fox has been elevated from an MBE to a CBE for his contributions to rugby league in West Yorkshire. Sinfield raised over £11 million for MND research and support after his friend Rob Burrow passed away from the disease in 2024. He announced his seventh and final annual fundraising challenge just days before the honours were revealed. ## England footballers honoured Six members of England's Euro 2025-winning squad have been appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs). The Lionesses recognised are Michelle Agyemang, Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo. Five of their teammates were previously honoured in the New Year list. Lou Macari, a former Scotland international, also received an MBE for his work in football and homelessness support in Stoke-on-Trent. Gary Street, who led England's women's rugby union team to World Cup glory in 2014, was also awarded an MBE. ## More sports stars recognised Golfer Luke Donald received an OBE for his Ryder Cup achievements and upcoming captaincy duties. Snooker player Shaun Murphy earned an OBE for his contributions to the sport and charity work, including support for the Rainbow Children's Hospice in the Midlands. Former England rugby union captain Emily Scarratt was named an OBE after retiring in the previous year following a second Women's Rugby World Cup win. Broadcasters Ian Robertson and Garry Richardson were both recognised after spending over 45 years with the BBC. Former Wales international Cliff Jones, aged 91, received an MBE for his services to Welsh football. ## Coaches and administrators honoured England men's Under-21s coach Lee Carsley was awarded an MBE. Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein received an OBE for his work in football and charity, including founding The Twinning Project to link football clubs with prisons. Former Scotland international Lou Macari, who managed Stoke City twice, was recognised for founding a foundation to help homeless people in the city. Three-time champion Flat racing jockey Ryan Moore was also named an MBE for his contributions to horse racing and British sport. ## Honoured individuals react Shaun Murphy described feeling shocked upon receiving the news, noting how his family's pride made the honour even more meaningful. He mentioned his mother's joy upon hearing the news. Emily Scarratt called the recognition hugely humbling after her recent retirement from rugby union. Jess Carter expressed pride in being part of the list alongside teammates who have raised awareness for women's football. Lou Macari shared that his charity work has received more attention than his football career, which he finds encouraging. Former England women's rugby coach Gary Street received an MBE, with his wife Helen emphasising his lifelong dedication to the sport. ## Honours list for sports in detail Kevin Sinfield was knighted for services to rugby league, rugby union, and the MND community. Neil Fox received a CBE for services to rugby league and the community in West Yorkshire. Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) went to Mel Bound, David Dein, Dr Clare Halsted, Shaun Murphy, Ian Robertson, and Emily Scarratt. Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) were awarded to Michelle Agyemang, Brenda Bland, Lee Carsley, Jess Carter, Jane Figueiredo, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James, Cliff Jones, Chloe Kelly, Lou Macari, Ryan Moore, Richard Morris, Garry Richardson, Alessia Russo, and Gary Street.