England keeper dubbed 'the cat' nets award in 90th year

AS Fabio Capello's men prepare for their opening World Cup match against the US tonight, an MBE goes to 90-year-old Bert Williams, goalkeeper in England's shock defeat by the Americans in 1950.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jun 2010, 23:39 BST
Updated 12th Jun 2010, 00:44 BST

More Birthday Honours

Other sports stars to be honoured include Amy Williams, Britain's first solo Winter Olympics gold medallist in 30 years and ex-Formula One driver David Coulthard who gets an MBE. Leading footballing figures recognised include Gary Speed, the long-serving former Premier League midfielder and Wales captain, who gets an MBE, plus ex-Sunderland chairman Bob Murray, who is knighted.

Mr Murray has had a successful business career in Yorkshire since 1968. Jockey Tony McCoy, winner of this year's Grand National, receives an OBE.

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McCoy, 36, originally from Moneyglass, County Antrim, rode his 3,000th winner in February 2009 and won the Grand National on his 15th attempt in April.

Mr Williams, from Shifnal, Shropshire, won his first England cap in May 1949. Six months later he went on to play in a 2-0 win over Italy that earned him the nickname "the cat" for his spectacular saves.

Gary Speed, 40, who was born in Mancot, north Wales, played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton. He is now a coach with Championship side Sheffield United

Former England international rugby union player Andy Ripley, 62, from Lingfield, Surrey, who has spoken movingly of his battle with prostate cancer, gets an OBE.

Related topics:MBEGary SpeedEngland