England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he was targeted for abuse for backing the Covid-19 vaccination programme as he admits it is up to individual players whether they get jabbed.
Southgate supported a government drive to get more young people vaccinated across the United Kingdom, delivering a video message in July.
It came on the back of England's run to the final of Euro 2020, where they were beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley.
"Oldies like me have had both jabs, so we can crack on with our lives, but for you younger ones especially, it's the chance for everything to open up, to get your freedom back," Southgate said in the clip.
"So it's not necessarily accurate to say that as a young person you are not going to have complicated symptoms.
"But I know the take-up is very varied across clubs and that's for individuals. If they are over 18 then they have the right to make their own decisions.
"No-one is saying they have to but I think as we go through the season some of the quarantining issues with Europe and everything else are going to be more complicated if you are not vaccinated. So I don't know if that will play a factor in how clubs feel."
