Is it just me....

but that's not the point, whether their job is vital.
they are being positive role models for youngsters, which is good. and having a social conscience and awareness is good. would we prefer the selfish egotistical excesses of george best?
who wasted his talent and disappointed so many people.
these successful young players could just live the high life and ignore wider society. but they don't. they choose not to be utterly selfish. many of them support local projects to encourage community development and sports opportunities.
and their standing up to racism is also admirable, and sadly still so necessary as racism is prevalent as seen recently.

But no-one is paid in accordance with how vital they are to society.
People's value is what someone is prepared to pay them. Can other people step in at a moment's notice and do that job? If the answer is no, then theoretically those people are paid more. If answer is yes, they're paid less.

Totally agree with Hamster, Ginny, Silverlining and Savvy. Also these highly paid footballers make a lot of money from advertising deals. We can’t live without refuse collectors , shop workers and many other lower paid workers.

I'm more peeved about mp's wages and expenses.
Anyone could do what they do - have affairs, watch porn and log it as expenses, openly flout the covid guidance and make up ridiculous lies to cover their arse, and stuff their faces in a subsidised canteen.

I agree with Hamster, Ginny and Silverlining48.

Football is a game, that's all, kids play it in their gardens, parks and streets. Professional footballers are overpaid when they play for the big teams, especially when their salary is paid for by the supporters.

Accolades should go to people who save lives, people who keep the country clean and safe, not people who just kick a ball around.

I agree with Hamster and Ginny.
While I agree that football brings pleasure to many and a fortune to the players, the people on minimum wage who do those important jobs which keep society going are neither valued nor rewarded financially.

Hampster58 No it is not just you.
I too am fed up with all the ‘hero worship’ applied to sports people . I’m sure some of them are great in their field but they are well paid for it. Thousands of people do far more difficult and dangerous jobs many of which are not pleasant. We couldn’t do without them and in many cases society would collapse. I’m pretty sure the world would keep turning without football players however good they are.

Hamster 58, looks like it is just you!

The young England squad brought a much needed lift in spirits to many and should be acknowledged for that but not financially.
I am sure they would approve a pay rise for NHS staff too.

But, but, the NHS staff got a lovely new badge!

I am also sure the footballers would support a pay rise for NHS staff. The footballers havn't asked for anything either, this is just Boris Johnson jumping on a bandwagon.

Young footballers have behaved with integrity and generosity during this pandemic, much more so than our Government.

muffinthemoo

Lucca

He could award nurses a decent pay rise on behalf of the England team

The England squad donated all their match fees and any win bonuses from this tournament to NHS charities.

Yes I know. I agree they would approve.

Posted too early - I am absolutely certain the squad would support a pay rise for nurses!

Lucca

He could award nurses a decent pay rise on behalf of the England team

The England squad donated all their match fees and any win bonuses from this tournament to NHS charities.

He could award nurses a decent pay rise on behalf of the England team

Pretty sure it won’t be financial.