Greenwood told BBC Radio 5 live: “This is still sinking in. It’s very special. Some of the footballers (who won the 1966 World Cup for England) had to wait 34 years for their honours.

“We just grabbed the headlines. We had an amazing tour in the summer and capped it off by winning the World Cup. We deserved everything we’ve got.”

Asked about how the squad will take to calling Woodward Sir Clive, Greenwood joked: “Training will be interesting. It’s like the Manchester United players and Sir Alex (Ferguson).

“We’ll call him [Woodward] sir or or ma’am – then get on with it.”

He added: “I will be pleased to stick the letters MBE after my name on a letter heading. It’s a recognition of what we have achieved. I have a grand slam, a World Cup-winning medal and now this.

“This is a tangible memento of what the 31-man squad did in Australia, beating them [the World Cup hosts] in their own backyard.

“We had heard that Clive was being touted for a knighthood. Coaches go for two-week skiing holidays – the rest of us get on with our work!

“Mum and dad will obviously be delighted. When Jason Leonard first got his MBE we shook hands and then started beating each other up on the field!

“Jason is a living legend – 113 caps, the most durable player in the history of the game. He has reinvented himself, going from amateur to professional, always backing people up.”

England hooker Steve Thompson said: “I hadn’t received a letter [about the MBE]. I think there had been a fire at the Post Office. Lewis Moody said something to me, and I said I hadn’t got the letter.

“This is a huge honour. You look at sportsmen and see them getting it and dream of getting one. I am honoured and delighted.

“I am looking forward to going back to Buckingham Palace and drinking some nice tea.”