Mr Campbell said he had been the only English player to play in six consecutive tournaments for England and had got into the World Cup team in both 1998 and 2002, as well as one European team in 2004, adding, “so at one stage I was pound for pound the best defender in the world”.
“How many English men can say that?” he said.
Mr Campbell claimed also to have been the first black player to score in a World Cup final although he has never played in a World Cup final.
The New Year Honours list did recognise England Lionesses for their victory in the Women’s Euro 2022, with players such as captain Leah Williamson alongside Beth Mead, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze all receiving honours.
Sophie Ingle, the Wales women’s football team captain, was also awarded an OBE for services to football.
Various former footballers of Mr Campbell’s generation have also received honours in the past, including former teammate David Beckham, who was awarded an OBE in 2003. Alan Shearer, also on the England squad in 1998, has a CBE, and former goalkeeper David Seaman has an MBE. Gareth Southgate, former teammate and current England manager, has an OBE.
Mr Campbell has previously been outspoken in his political opinions, announcing his intention to run as a Conservative London mayoral candidate in 2015, although he was not shortlisted, as well as speaking about his support for Brexit.