‘I got a standing ovation from the team'

By Ben Knight

Casey Stoney has revealed how she received a standing ovation from her England team-mates after she was awarded an MBE.

The Arsenal Ladies star is currently part of Mark Sampson’s squad at the Women’s World Cup in Canada and started Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Colombia.

Stoney found out about the honour a while ago, but said the Three Lionesses squad gave her a fantastic reception when they found out.

“They were amazing, my team-mates are incredible,” she told Arsenal.com. “I got a standing ovation in the dinner hall on the day it was announced.

“They’re part of it, because without them this journey doesn’t happen. I am a massive believer that everyone contributes to everything you do and team-mates are an important part of that.

“I was completely shocked at first because I wasn’t expecting it. Once I got over the shock I was just really overwhelmed and massively proud. It’s a huge thing for my family and for anyone that’s ever worked with me and believed in me.”

Stoney joins the likes of Arsene Wenger, Tony Adams, Pat Rice, Ian Wright and Rachel Yankey in receiving honours.

“I’m in quite good company there, aren’t I?” she said. “It’s obviously nice to be recognised but to be among that company is incredible really.

“I think this is recognition for women’s football, for women’s sport. In women’s sport people don’t really get recognised that much in the honours list so I think it just shows you where women’s football is going.

“I know that Kelly Smith’s been recognised, Rachel Yankey’s been recognised, Faye White’s been recognised, all Arsenal players, so I am yet another one.

“I think it just shows you that people are looking at women’s sport and also that women’s football is growing. The growth of the game is so exciting and I’m massively excited to be part of it.”