White was recognised for services to Sport in the Queen's New Year's Honours List 2007, being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire[5] In recognition of her achievements she was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

[6] White began playing football at the age of ten, when she joined in the training sessions of her brother's team Horley Town.

In 2002, she was named by Hope Powell as England captain against Nigeria,[11] during the qualification campaign for FIFA World Cup in USA.

At the Quarter Final stage of the 2007 World Cup vs USA in Tianjin, White's nose was broken by an elbow from Abby Wambach ten minutes before half time.

She wore a protective face mask in the final after breaking her cheekbone in the quarter-final win over Finland in Turku, just six days after having surgery.

White was one of the first female players to be given a central contract by The Football Association[14] and also served as an ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid.

[15][16] She was allotted 120 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.

[17][18] Arsenal[citation needed] England Individual White was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Hertfordshire in November 2013.