WE'LL MAKE THE GRADE

Skipper Kane backs England to handle hostile atmosphere in Serbian capital and come out stronger

- JEREMY CROSS

HARRY KANE has backed England to ‘stick together’ and rise to the challenge of what promises to be a hostile atmosphere in Belgrade.

England face their toughest test of Thomas Tuchel’s reign tonight when they take on Serbia in a crunch World Cup qualifier.

The Rajko Mitic Stadium is renowned for being one of the most intimidating grounds in Europe, while the Three Lions could also find themselves subjected to racist abuse.

But Kane has told his side that dealing with whatever might be thrown at them is character building - and will make them stronger in the long run.

The England captain said: ‘I've been to Serbia before, we played Red Star with Tottenham.

“It’s a pretty hostile environment (right). Just the walk from the changing room to the pitch. It feels like a mile-long walk, there’s a lot of fans, you hear a lot of noise, a lot of banging, so yeah, that was pretty hostile.