Dan M, a Year 13 pupil from Cambridgeshire, achieved the honour while helping England reach the final in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the Para Lions were narrowly defeated by France.

He earned his 50th cap during the competition and featured in his second consecutive World Cup final.

Dan said: "It was an absolute honour to have the opportunity to represent my country at another World Cup.

"It was an incredible week of competition that I will never forget.

"Despite being disappointed with how the tournament ended, I’m proud that we were able to show the world our style of football and hopefully inspire many more young disabled people back home."

Diagnosed with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy at the age of two, Mr M has used a wheelchair since he was eight.

The World Cup brought together 10 nations for seven days of competition.

England reached the final after defeating hosts Argentina in the semi-finals on October 22.

They took the lead in the final against France but conceded a late penalty, which was converted four minutes before the final whistle.

Will Chuter, headteacher at Kimbolton School, said: "We are incredibly proud of Dan and all that he has achieved.

"To represent England at a World Cup, twice, and reach the final on both occasions is an outstanding accomplishment.

"Dan’s success is a wonderful source of inspiration for our school community, and we wish him and the team every success for the future."

Powerchair football is an inclusive sport for people with high levels of physical impairment.

Players use specially adapted powerchairs to manoeuvre and strike an oversized football.

Dan was first selected to play for England in May 2023 for the Home Nations Tournament in Dublin.