Javid disappointed as five England players ‘refuse vaccine’

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said it is "disappointing" that at least five members of the England squad are reportedly refusing to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

He said the players are role models who could play a part in encouraging others to get the jab.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also said he is at a loss to explain why there is seemingly a reluctance among Premier League players to be vaccinated – as he made a comparison between the reasons for being jabbed and drink-driving laws.

Their comments came after The Sun reported five players have not had the jab despite organisers of next year's Qatar World Cup planning to ban all unvaccinated players.

Mr Javid told Times Radio of the "huge vaccine wall of defence" being created, and added: "I would just appeal to these people, whether they are footballers, whoever it is... that the vaccines are working. Help protect yourself and protect those around you.

"They've made a conscious choice. It is disappointing, of course it is... they are role models in society. People, especially young people, I think will look up to them and they should recognise that and the difference that can make in terms of encouraging others."

A report this week suggested only seven of the 20 Premier League clubs have succeeded in fully vaccinating 50% or more of their squads, with the overall average said to be approximately one-third of all players.

Liverpool have out-performed most of their rivals on that front, with Klopp revealing their vaccination rate is 99 per cent.

Klopp said: "I explain it a little bit like drink-driving. We were all probably in a situation where we had a beer or two and thought 'I can drive'.

"But this law is not there for protecting me, it is there for protecting all the other people because I am pissed and want to drive a car. And we accept that as a law.

"We all know alcohol is bad for our body but we still drink it. With the vaccination we assume it is not good for our body.

"Most specialists tell us the vaccination is the solution for the situation in this moment."

Klopp said he believes it is his personal responsibility to consider the lives of others.