The nominal fee England stars get paid for Nations League – but they won't see a penny of

Harry Kane, John Stones and Cole Palmer are among the star names who will return to England duty this week.

Lee Carsley’s men are back in UEFA Nations League action, as the Three Lions look to earn immediate promotion to League A following their relegation from the competition’s top tier two years ago.

Having comfortably seen off both Ireland and Finland in their first two matches last month, England face what is supposedly the toughest test of this year’s schedule so far… a clash at Wembley against Greece.

Much like the Euro 2024 runners-up, Greece took maximum points from their opening two fixtures, with Thursday’s showdown in north London likely to go a long way in deciding who earns promotion from League B Group 2.

But how much money will England’s squad earn from pulling on the famous white shirt this month?

How much do England players get paid for representing their country?

The short answer is nothing. That’s because it’s understood that England players since 2007 have been donating their match fees from appearances for the national team to the England Football Foundation – an organisation which then redistributes the cash to charities.

It’s claimed England internationals are paid around £2,000 per match, meaning the top talents in the squad could earn in excess of £20,000 extra per year.

However, the good deed has had a positive impact, given a reported £5million has been raised for charity since the initiative was started 17 years ago.

Who are the highest-paid England players?

Part of the reason why players are so happy to part with their matchday fee is because they’re often reimbursed handsomely for their club exploits, with England players among the best-paid in world football.

Unsurprisingly, captain Kane is said to be the best-paid member of the squad, earning a reported £400,000 a week while at record Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Stones weighs in next, with the defender believed to be pocketing around £250,000 at Manchester City, which is marginally more than team-mate Declan Rice whose contract at Arsenal is worth £240,000.

Phil Foden is rumoured to be earning a similar amount for the Premier League champions, having signed a contract extension in 2022 worth £225,000 a week.

Whereas poster boy Jude Bellingham, who isn’t involved in Carsley’s October picks, is suggested to earn around £220,000 a week at Real Madrid.

Full England squad for the October internationals

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal)