Tuchel to brief England players on anti-racism protocols before Spain clash

Tuchel will brief England players on anti-racism protocols before Sunday's Nations League match in Madrid, where racist incidents have occurred in the past.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he will spend five minutes briefing his squad on UEFA's anti-racism protocol ahead of Sunday's Nations League clash against Spain in Madrid (20:45). The precaution follows a history of racist abuse at the Spanish capital's stadium: in November 2004, several England players were targeted during a match there, and the team did not return to Madrid for years afterwards.

More recently, Spain's football federation was fined in October for islamophobic and xenophobic chanting during a match against Egypt. UEFA operates a three-stage protocol for managing discrimination incidents, with referees empowered to abandon matches if racist behaviour persists.

England, currently second in their group with 12 points, need victory to top the standings and secure a favourable quarter-final draw. Spain won their previous meeting 3-2 at Wembley on 26 September.