England prepare for Serbia World Cup qualifier amid racism concerns

BELGRADE :England's players have held internal discussions about how they will respond if subjected to racist abuse during Tuesday's World Cup qualifier away to Serbia, captain Harry Kane has said, amid concerns over fan behaviour in Belgrade.

The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has appealed to supporters in a statement to "create a positive atmosphere" and "to send out an image to the world that will make us all proud."

"We had a meeting and we discussed the protocols that are in place, more from UEFA's point of view, (but) I don't think we like to discuss it too much," Kane told reporters on Monday.

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

"Anything can happen, of course, and we're prepared for that but we're thinking about the game and, like the (statement) Serbian FA put out, it's about enjoying the spectacle, enjoying the game, and we hope that's the case tomorrow."

The FSS appeal came after UEFA ordered 15 per cent of the 50,000 seats at Rajko Mitic Stadium be closed on Tuesday as punishment for racist behaviour by Serbia fans against Andorra in June.

England players were the target of racist abuse in a Euro 2020 qualifying game in Bulgaria that was stopped twice as officials threatened to abandon the match. England won 6-0

"I thought we handled that situation away in Bulgaria really well, and (Tuesday) will be no different," said Kane.

"These are things that are hard to talk about now because we don't know if it's going to happen or not.

"But ultimately, in the event it does happen, we'll be prepared to do what is necessary."

TOUGHEST TEST

Victory on Tuesday would put Thomas Tuchel's England team, who lead Group K with four wins from four games, a step closer to qualifying for next