Manchester United star Ella Toone received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from Prince William at Windsor Castle today.
Toone recognised
Toone was acknowledged in the New Year Honours List for her key role in England winning back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.
The United midfielder was in the starting XI for last summer’s final victory over Spain in Basel, a full three years after she’d scored against Germany at Wembley.
Also honoured with MBEs were Toone’s England teammates Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway.
It's official: Meet Ella Toone MBE, Reds! 🥹🎖️ pic.twitter.com/5yvMqcYjQ1
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 19, 2026
What a moment! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/u98tgMVxfs
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 19, 2026
England boss Sarina Wiegman was made a dame, while national team captain Leah Williamson was awarded a CBE, having previously received the OBE.
Back in the England squad
Even better for Toone, her return to the England squad was confirmed. She has not featured for the Lionesses since November due to an injury that caused her to miss half of the season for United.
Toone revealed that she only learned of her England call-up moments before receiving her gong at Windsor Castle.
The United academy graduate said, “We were sitting in the waiting room before going in and we quickly checked. Prince William asked if I was back fit and whether I’m on the next camp, so it was nice to be able to tell him there. I am doing well and I’ve come back feeling better and stronger than ever.”
She continued, “It is so exciting. There is so much talent in the England squad now, with so many experienced players, players who’ve been to tournaments before, and loads of young, exciting talent coming through as well.”
“I am obviously really looking forward to it, and hopefully I can go out there and represent England again.”
Toone stressed the importance of being a role model to the younger generation.
“I set up ET7 Academy to give girls a chance and an opportunity to play football, to make friends, to develop as people and players.”
“I hope that one day we can have another Ella Toone, who maybe comes from Tyldesley, where I grew up. As Lionesses, we are role models, we have got to use our platforms as best we can to really grow the women’s game and to give all young girls and boys opportunities in football.”
Toone also disclosed that her wedding with fiancé Joe Bunney will take place this summer in Cheshire.
Featured image Matthias Hangst via Getty Images
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