England players are braced for a barrage of abuse when they take the knee ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Hungary tomorrow.
The players have confirmed they intend to make the anti-racism gesture at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest, despite the potential reaction.
Central midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, told journalists the players will 'carry on taking the knee because it's important for us, important for our country and to fight racial abuse'.
England have been steadfast in their protests against racism and continued to take the knee
The England team and manager Gareth Southgate were steadfast in their protest against racism ahead of and during the Euro 2020 tournament this summer, despite some English supporters booing their pre-match actions.
Vile online abuse received by some players, which followed England's final defeat against Italy, has galvanised them further,
However, the Three Lions can expect a hostile reception in eastern Europe after the Republic of Ireland players were abused when they knelt prior to a friendly in the Szusza Ferenc Stadium in June, when only 7,000 supporters were present.
Kalvin Phillips (L), says England players will take the knee in Budapest against Hugary
On Thursday the 67,000-capacity ground is expected to be packed, despite the Hungarians being subject to a three-match stadium ban after repeated 'discriminatory behaviour' by Hungary fans during the European Championship.
The ban, imposed by UEFA, does not apply to FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
After the Ireland game, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, made outspoken remarks endorsing the fans abusive behaviour and suggesting the Irish players had 'provoked' their hosts.
Orban, who faces a tough election challenge from a united opposition next year, said Hungarian athletes were expected to 'fight standing up'.
'If you're a guest in a country then understand its culture and do not provoke it,' Orban told a press conference the day after the game. 'Do not provoke the host ... We can only see this gesture system from
