Marcus Rashford received a round of applause from his England team-mates after they learned of his MBE.
The Manchester United forward received the recognition following his efforts to secure free meal vouchers for vulnerable children during the pandemic.
Rashford wrote an open letter to the government which saw them perform a u-turn on their original stance.
It won the hearts of the nation and has now been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
England boss Gareth Southgate heaped praise on the forward by saying: “Firstly it’s an amazing achievement – wonderful for him and his family, the recognition.
“But he didn’t start this project to get the recognition.
"He started it because it was something he had been affected by, that he cared passionately about, and for somebody of his age to be able to make the difference he has is a phenomenal achievement.
“We’re all very proud of him. We gave him a special round of applause this morning.
"You can only marvel at what he’s achieved and the difference he’s made to kids who will understand the difference he’s made but also who, at the moment, won’t understand but will be incredibly grateful for him in years to come.”
Rashford himself has said he is humbled by the awarding of an MBE but singled out his mother for particular praise in a statement posted on his Twitter.
He wrote: "I'm incredibly honoured and humbled. As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be received an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22.
"This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour.
"The fight to protect our most vulnerable children is far from over."
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