The World Cup is in full swing and it’s one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. In the UK, millions tune in as the Three Lions step onto the pitch carrying the hopes of the nation.

But do England players actually get paid for the honour of playing for their country?

The answer is both yes and no.

According to FourFourTwo, England players are entitled to appearance fees from the FA when they appear in international matches. However, since 2007, England players have not personally received those payments. Instead, the money has been donated to the England Football Foundation charity.

Funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, the charity’s mission is to ensure every community has access to a great place to play football. Rather than focusing on the professional game, the charity invests in grassroots facilities where they are needed most, helping local clubs, schools and community groups improve pitches, changing rooms, floodlights and equipment.

Since it was established in 2000, the Foundation has invested millions of pounds into grassroots football across England, supporting thousands of projects and creating better places for children and adults to play, train and stay active. It also funds initiatives that encourage more women and girls to get involved in football, supports multi-sport community hubs and helps remove barriers to participation so more people can enjoy the physical, social and mental health benefits of sport.

England player’s appearance fees are thought to be around £2,500 per player, which is a small amount compared with what many footballers earn at club level. Over time, though, those donations have added up. Since the initiative began, England players have helped raise more than £15 million for charity.

At World Cup level, there is huge money involved. FIFA provides participating nations with funding, with additional bonuses for teams that progress through the tournament. The 2026 winners are reportedly set to receive $50 million. Different national football federations decide how that money is distributed, and not every country follows the same approach. What makes the England example stand out is the choice to redirect personal appearance fees into charitable work.