England manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly in line for a £3m bonus if England lift the World Cup next month, while all the players in his 26-man squad would share £13m. The Mail on Sunday says that some leading players are also in line for commercial bonuses worth several million pounds each from their personal sponsors.
The Mail on Sunday says that the FA has more than doubled the size of the players’ bonus pot from the 2018 tournament in Russia, which is a significant increase on the £215,000 they were offered to win the World Cup in Russia four years ago.
Although huge sums, they only bring England into line with the other leading nations, with the Mail on Sunday reporting that Brazil offer the most generous bonuses, which are largely funded by their £30m-a-year kit deal with Nike. England’s prize pot is similar to those offered by top European countries.
The competition gets underway this afternoon (November 20) with hosts Qatar playing Ecuador in the only game. It comes after fierce criticism of the host nation, with the Gulf nation’s human rights record, treatment of migrant workers and oppressive LGBTQ+ laws dominating the build-up.
England start their campaign against Iran tomorrow (November 21). Defender Eric Dier says it would be wrong to ignore off-field matters in Qatar but admits constant questions about the cloud hanging over this World Cup is dampening players’ excitement.
“It’s extremely difficult every day for all of us as players,” Dier. "We come here and we know these topics are going to be addressed and it’s a difficult situation for us. The World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010 and I was 16 at the time. It’s very difficult for me to talk on it because we as players have absolutely no say in where we play."
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