Michelle Agyemang says she is ‘very close’ to injury return after receiving MBE

Michelle Agyemang says she is nearing a return to football almost a year after suffering a serious knee injury on England duty.

The 20-year-old provided the update as she received her MBE at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Speaking to the Press Association, in comments published by ITV News, Agyemang said she was “getting very close to returning now”.

She has been combining rehabilitation work in the gym with her university studies.

Michelle Agyemang offers encouraging recovery update

Agyemang ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during England’s victory over Australia on 28 October 2025.

The Football Association confirmed the injury two days later and pledged to support her rehabilitation alongside her club.

Wednesday’s comments offer an encouraging assessment of her progress, although she did not announce a specific comeback date.

The injury interrupted a breakthrough year in which Agyemang helped England retain their European Championship title.

She scored late equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-final and Italy in the semi-final, helping keep the Lionesses’ campaign alive on both occasions.

Her performances earned her the tournament’s young player award.

Agyemang’s MBE for services to football was announced in June, with Wednesday’s ceremony marking its presentation.

She described receiving the honour as “incredible”, as her attention increasingly turns towards getting back on the pitch.

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