Manchester United and Man City Lioness heroes Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp recognised in New Year Honours list

Manchester United and Man City footballers Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp are among the famous faces to be recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Earps and Hemp have both been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) for services to Association Football. Both players were part of the England Women's side that came so close to winning the World Cup in Australia, with Sarina Wiegman's side ultimately falling to a 1-0 defeat to Spain after Olga Carmona's first-half strike.

Hemp nearly became the hero in the final against Spain, but her shot hit the crossbar. She said about her MBE: "It's a huge achievement not only for me, but my family and everyone who loves our beautiful game. It's been an incredible few years.

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"I'd like to dedicate my MBE to everyone that has supported me in my career so far, and everyone behind the scenes for continuing to push boundaries to get women's football to where it is today."

Earps had a fantastic year as well, saving a penalty in the final to keep England in the game and helping United finish second in the WSL. She won the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets at the World Cup and was handed an honorary doctorate from Loughborough University.

She also won praise for criticising Nike for not making England goalkeeper replica kits, and this month, she was voted BBC's Sports Personality of the Year by the public.

Earps was named FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in February before winning England Player of the Year in September. She has also picked up Sportswoman of the Year at the British Sports