Harry Kane says England are prepared for possible racist abuse against Serbia

Kane said England's players are "prepared to do what is necessary" should there be discriminatory behaviour by Serbian supporters. 

Harry Kane was captain when England were subjected to racism in Podgorica and Sofia. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.

Thomas Tuchel is hopeful England's World Cup qualifier will pass without incident but captain Harry Kane has confirmed UEFA's three-step protocol for discriminatory behaviour has been discussed by the players.

World Cup qualification continues in Belgrade at the vast Rajko Mitic Stadium, where the capacity has been reduced by 15% due to previous fan behaviour.

FIFA punished the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) for, among other things, "discrimination and racist abuse" in June's match against Andorra and face further sanctions if there are issues against England.

The FSS has appealed to fans to "support our national team in the right way" against England, who faced racist abuse on their 2019 trips to the Balkans in Montenegro and then Bulgaria.

Asked if he talked about such potential issues with England's players, boss Tuchel said: "I didn't but the people in charge at the FA talked with us about it, yeah. We are aware.

"And, still, I always believe in the good, so I always believe that we will have a high-level sporting competition and celebrate the sport for what it is."

UEFA has a three-step protocol to deal with racist incidents at stadiums, with the final step seeing the game abandoned.

"We are aware of the protocols, but I don't want to put the big focus on it because I believe in the beauty of sport and in the beauty of the game," the German said.

"That we have can have a respectful and emotional match (on Tuesday)."

Kane was captain when England were subjected to racism in Podgorica and Sofia, and confirmed that the players have spoken about UEFA's protocols.

"We had a meeting and we discussed the protocols from UEFA's point of view," he said. "I don't think we like to discuss it too much.

"Our focus is on the game. Our focus is on trying to beat Serbia on the pitch.

"Everything can happen, of course, and we're prepared for that, but ultimately we're not thinking about that.

"We're thinking about the football, the game, like the Serbia FA put out, is about enjoying, respectful, enjoy the game, and we hope that's the case (on Tuesday)."

Asked if he was ready to take the players off the pitch, Kane said: "We're prepared to do what UEFA protocols allow us to do.

"I thought we handled that situation away in Bulgaria really well. And it'll be no different.

"These are the things that are hard to talk about now, because we don't know if it's going to happen or not. But ultimately, like I said, we're prepared.

"We had a discussion as a group so that if in the event it does happen, we'll be prepared to do what is necessary."

Serbian fans have been warned by FSS general secretary Branko Radujko that "every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident" on Tuesday could damage their World Cup hopes.

"In addition to the spectacle we expect on the pitch, let me draw attention to something just as important: behaviour of all of us in the stands," he said in programme notes written in both Serbian and English. "This match of truth also carries great responsibility.

"We are still under special monitoring of UEFA. Every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident could cost us dearly on our path to the USA, Mexico and Canada, including the possibility of having to play a decisive match with Albania behind closed doors.

"That is the reason I sincerely and seriously call on you: let us cheer from the heart but let it be fair. We can be loud but dignified. Let our support be a source of strength, not a risk for the national team.

"Football was born in England, but Belgrade must be the place where the game gets a new emotion on September 9.

"This is our chance to be united, to remind ourselves why we love football and how much it means when the whole nation breathes as one. This is the match for points, but also for pride.

"Let Belgrade send a message to the world on September 9: a message of Serbia strength, unity and love for football."