Harry Kane has confirmed that England’s players will not hesitate to leave the field if they are subjected to racist abuse during Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade.
The fixture has already been designated high-risk by UEFA, with sections of the Rajko Mitić Stadium ordered to remain closed after incidents of racist behaviour by Serbian supporters in a qualifier against Andorra earlier this summer.
A reduced capacity crowd is expected, though tensions are anticipated to remain high.
Asked whether he would lead his team-mates off the pitch in the event of racist chanting, Kane was unequivocal.
Harry Kane has confirmed that England’s players will not hesitate to leave the field if they are subjected to racist abuse during Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade
|PA
“Yes, we had a similar situation in Bulgaria,” the England captain said, referencing the Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia when Gareth Southgate’s side were subjected to sustained racist abuse.
“UEFA have the protocols in place for us to follow. We know the steps, we know the situation.”
The governing body’s three-step procedure gives referees the power to pause a match, suspend it, or abandon it entirely in cases of discriminatory behaviour.
England have previously backed that framework while also insisting they reserve the right to walk off if they feel it is necessary.
For Kane, however, the focus remains on football.
“We’re talking about something that hasn’t happened yet,” he continued.
“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 match revives memories of Euro 2024, when the same opponents met in Gelsenkirchen.
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Harry Kane insists England's priority is the football ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash with Serbia
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That game was overshadowed by crowd trouble, with Serbian fans clashing with police outside the stadium and sections of England’s squad subjected to racist taunts during the contest.
Seven supporters were arrested, and Serbia were later sanctioned by UEFA. Tuesday’s qualifier is being played under those lingering restrictions.
England’s steely stance on racism has been consistent in recent years.
Southgate repeatedly said his players will not be left to suffer in silence during his tenure, and several squad members - including Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham - have spoken openly about the need for football to deal with racism more firmly.
Kane also addressed comments from Michael Owen, who recently described his move to Bayern Munich as 'nuts' given the striker was within reach of breaking Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record.
“I heard it,” Kane admitted.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
"Obviously, he’s a Premier League great and an England great as well, so I’ll respect him as a person.
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Harry Kane has responded to Michael Owen after he was called 'nuts' over his decision to join Bayern Munich in 2023
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"But everyone’s career is different, and everyone’s motivations are different.”
The England captain stressed his decision was about challenging himself on the biggest stages and not solely about winning silverware.
“I know he was insinuating I went just for the trophy, but it was to be at the highest level for as long as possible. I’m playing big games, title runs, Champions League matches, even a Club World Cup quarter-final. I feel I’m improving as a player and pushing my limits as a goalscorer. I’m very happy at Bayern Munich," he added.
Kane has scored prolifically since joining the German champions in 2023, and his presence in Belgrade will be central to England’s hopes of maintaining momentum on the road to the 2026 World Cup.