Harry Kane says England players ready to walk off if targeted by racist abuse in Serbia

Kane insists he will lead the team off if players receive racist abuse in Belgrade

Harry Kane says England players are prepared to walk off if they are subjected to racist abuse in Belgrade tonight.

England face Serbia in what is expected to be the most difficult game of their World Cup qualifying group.

The Rajko Mitic Stadium will have its capacity for the game reduced by 15 per cent because of racist behaviour from Serbia supporters in a qualifier against Andorra in June.

England encountered racist abuse in qualifiers in Montenegro and Bulgaria during Gareth Southgate’s time in charge, and the England Under-21s reported racist abuse in a qualifier in Serbia back in 2012.

Kane was asked on Monday night whether he, as England captain, would lead his team off in the event of players receiving abuse.

“Yes, we had a similar situation in Bulgaria,” Kane said. “UEFA have the protocols in place for us to follow. We know the steps, we know the situation.

“We're talking about something that's not happened yet. We'll take everything in our stride, everything as it comes. We're clear in what we want to do.

“Let's just see what happens tomorrow night. We're more focused on Serbia as a team and how we can hurt them.”

The Serbian FA have released a statement ahead of the match calling on their fans not repeat past instances of discrimination.

Thomas Tuchel has said is he hopeful the match will be observed in a “respectful” fashion.

He said: “The people in charge of the FA talked to us, so 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.

“We are aware of the [UEFA] protocol, but I don’t want to put a big focus on it, because I believe in the beauty of the game, that we can a respectful match tomorrow.”