England and Scotland football players make 'significant' NHS donation

England and Scotland faced each other in World Cup 2018 qualifying

The England men's team have made a "significant donation" to the NHS, using match fees dating back to September 2018.

The move comes in conjunction with the #PlayersTogether movement involving Premier League players.

Last month England women announced they would donate to the fund.

The Scotland men's and women's teams have also made a "substantial donation", joining England's men in giving to NHS Charities Together.

The donations come with the NHS on the frontline in Britain during the global coronavirus pandemic.

"We stand united as England players behind the nation during this crisis," the players said in a statement.

"Our collective prayers and thoughts remain with all those affected."

Andy Robertson, Scotland men's captain, said: "We have all been at home, taking the advice of medical advisers and watching the news that highlights the heroic efforts of our NHS.

"We have all been inspired by the selflessness of nurses, doctors and all healthcare workers on the frontline - it only reinforces how vital the NHS is to our country and how we must cherish and protect this institution."

The players' fund that already exists in England is used to support a selection of good causes, and a portion of that money is now steered directly towards the under-pressure health service during the coronavirus pandemic.

The England Footballers Foundation was set up in 2007 and was reported to have generated over £5m in the subsequent decade.

The current batch of funds covers all senior men's internationals since the 2018 World Cup, a total of 16 matches.