da leao： The awards keep coming for England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps, who is set to receive an MBE in the latest New Year Honours list.
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Earps wins another awardLionesses 'keeper given MBE alongside HempChelsea captain Bright gets OBEGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Fresh from scooping this year's coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, the Lionesses shot stopper has been recognised for her services to football. She becomes an MBE alongside England team-mate Lauren Hemp, while fellow Lioness Millie Bright becomes an OBE for her contributions.
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Bright spoke of her pride about receiving the honour: "I just want to say how honoured and grateful I am to have been given this honour,” said Bright, who captained the Lionesses at last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup as they made history by reaching their first ever World Cup Final.
"It’s a moment I will treasure with my loved ones forever. I feel extremely lucky, as many people could be in my position right now. It’s amazing to be recognised for my work in a sport that I love and adore and do everything in my power to be successful at, but also to grow the game for the next generation. I want to dedicate this honour to my family for all their sacrifices, that allow me to be where I am today, but also to my coaches and team mates. Congratulations to my team mates on your Honours too, I am incredibly proud of you.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
For Bright, the award marks a significant few days, after the Blues defender announced her engagement to partner Levi Crew following a Christmas proposal. Earps, meanwhile, is again recognised not only for her contributions to the Lionesses agonisingly close World Cup run – where she saved a penalty in the final against Spain – but also for standing up to corporate giants Nike and raising awareness over the commercial failings of the women's game. Her efforts helped secure a U-turn on sales of her famous World Cup jersey, which eventually sold out in minutes.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
The Lionesses trio continue their well-earned rest, as the Women's Super League breaks over the winter period. Club football returns on January 21 as Earps and United take on Bright's Chelsea, although the defender remains sidelined with a knee injury. Hemp, meanwhile, will take on Alisha Lehmann's Aston Villa with Manchester City on the same day.