Harry Kane wary of Serbia's threat as England eye 'big step' towards World Cup berth | OneFootball

The Three Lions’ outing in Belgrade is expected to be one of the most challenging on their qualification campaign

Harry Kane says England can take a “big step” towards qualifying for next year’s World Cup by beating Serbia on Tuesday night.

England have won all four of their World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal, and currently sit top of Group K.

Thomas Tuchel’s side face their toughest test on Tuesday night, though, when they travel to Serbia - who are second in the group.

Kane is expecting a “difficult” encounter, but he added the England players are relishing the challenge ahead.

“It would be a big step in the right direction, of course,” said Kane.

“When you look at the group, this definitely - and the Albania away game - are, for sure, going to be the two toughest.

“The way the group is poised at the moment, we know that if we win we take a big step in the right direction.

“But, also, we know from Serbia’s point of view it is a great opportunity for them as well to get their noses in front and go into a great position going into the next camp.

“We need to focus on what we can control, and that’s going out there and playing the way we know we can.

“It’s going to be difficult, but we enjoy these challenges. It’s part and parcel of qualifying for the biggest tournament in the world and we look forward to it.”

England have a 100 per cent record in qualifying under Tuchel, but they have come under fire for their performances.

The Three Lions ran out 2-0 winners over Andorra last Saturday, thanks to an own-goal and a Declan Rice header.

“That’s part and parcel of it. We have so many great players in the England team. We have so many great players who are not with the England team.

“Of course, there is always going to be opinions. What is important is that amongst the group, amongst us, we know what we are trying to do.

“We know how difficult some of these games are, we know how frustrating some of these teams can be to play.

“Ultimately, it is about qualifying. We want to be in America next summer. Sometimes it is taken for granted a little bit, we are just expected to be there.

“But we know the work we put in, we know the detail in every meeting, in every training session, that gets us to where we are.

“That’s all we are focused on. We can’t control the noise on the outside, that is always going to be there. That’s part and parcel of getting to this level, and you just have to deal with it.”

Kane is expecting a “hostile” atmosphere in Belgrade on Tuesday night, but the Serbian FA have warned supporters about their behaviour.

They have been charged in the past for discriminatory behaviour, and Kane says the England squad will hold talks about how to react if they suffer abuse.

“We had a meeting and we discussed the protocols that are in place - more from UEFA’s point of view,” said Kane.

“I don’t think we like to discuss it too much. Our focus is on the game, our focus is on trying to beat Serbia on the pitch.

“Anything can happen and, of course, we are prepared for that - but ultimately, we are not thinking about.

“We are thinking about the football game. Like the Serbian FA have put out, it’s about enjoying the spectacle and enjoying the game. We hope that’s the case tomorrow.”