FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Amid growing concerns and discussions about racism, England are preparing to take on Serbia in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The match is scheduled to take place at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, known for its tense atmosphere and past incidents of racial abuse. The England team, led by captain Harry Kane, have held intense internal meetings to discuss protocols and strategies to deal with any potential racist abuse during the game.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: How England Is Preparing for Serbia Amid Racism Talk
"We had a meeting and we discussed the current protocols, especially from UEFA's point of view, (but) I don't think we would like to discuss it too much," Kane told reporters on Monday.
'Our focus is on the match. Our focus is on beating Serbia on the pitch.'
'Of course, anything can happen, and we are ready for that, but we are thinking about the match and as the Serbian FA has put out (in a statement), it's about enjoying the spectacle and enjoying the game, and we hope it will be the same tomorrow.'
The FSS's appeal comes after UEFA ordered 15% of the 50,000 seats at the Rajko Mitić Stadium to be closed on Tuesday as punishment for racist behaviour by Serbia fans against Andorra in June.
England players were subjected to racist abuse in a Euro 2020 qualifying match in Bulgaria, which was halted twice as officials threatened to abandon the match. England won 6-0
'I think we handled that situation in Bulgaria very well, and (on Tuesday) it will be no different,' Kane said. 'These are things that are difficult to talk about right now because we don't know if it will happen or not.
'But eventually, if it does happen, we will be ready to do whatever is necessary.'
The toughest test
Victory on Tuesday will take Thomas Tuchel's England side, who top Group K with four wins from four games, one step closer to qualifying for next year's finals. However, this is England's toughest test yet.
Apart from the expected hostile atmosphere in Belgrade, Serbia is England's highest-ranked opponent in the group at 32nd place.
Although Tuchel's fourth-ranked side have yet to concede a goal, their victories have been disappointing. They needed an own goal to start the scoring during Saturday's 2-0 win over Andorra, a country ranked 170 places below them.
'We are preparing for everything We are in a very passionate sporting country - they have world-class players, amazing talents in football - and they will have the quality.
'Our first away match in a traditional stadium. I think this occasion will bring out the best in us.'
Tuchel added that all players are available to start on Tuesday, including defender Marc Guehi, who was doubtful to play after suffering a groin injury against Andorra.
Asked about the possibility of racism, Tuchel said UEFA had discussed protocols with the team.
'I always believe in goodness and I believe we will hold a high-level sporting event,' the German said.
'I don't want to focus too much on it because I believe in the beauty of sport and the beauty of sport.'
England's only previous encounter with Serbia was a 1-0 win in the group stage of Euro 2024.
