England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he will formally brief his squad on UEFA’s anti-racism protocols before Sunday’s high-stakes Nations League match against Spain in Madrid. The fixture, set to take place at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium, represents England's return to the Spanish capital for the first time since a 2004 friendly at the Bernabeu was marred by persistent racist abuse directed at black players, including Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole.
The decision to reinforce these guidelines comes amid recent disciplinary issues in Spanish football. Last month, UEFA imposed a fine and a partial stadium closure on the Spanish federation after supporters were heard using xenophobic and Islamophobic language during a game against Egypt. Tuchel noted that a similar briefing took place prior to England’s match in Belgrade against Serbia in September 2025, emphasizing the necessity of being prepared for any eventuality.
UEFA’s established three-step protocol provides officials with the authority to intervene if discriminatory behavior occurs. The first step involves a temporary halt to play and a stadium announcement. If the abuse continues, the referee can lead the players off the pitch for up to ten minutes. The final stage is the complete abandonment of the match. "It's important that the players know about the protocol," Tuchel explained, adding that while they must be aware of the procedures, the most effective response is to secure a result on the pitch.
On the competitive front, England currently trails Spain by three points in their Nations League group. A victory in Madrid would not only see them leapfrog the hosts but also secure a more advantageous draw for the quarter-finals. However, overcoming the world champions is a daunting task, as Spain is currently riding a 43-match unbeaten streak, which includes a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley earlier this autumn.
Tuchel urged his team to maintain an aggressive and physical approach to disrupt Spain's rhythm. He acknowledged that facing a side that has effectively forgotten how to lose requires a world-class performance. Despite the challenges, the manager expressed confidence that his team is ready to deliver. Fans can find more coverage of international football in our Sports section or by visiting the official UEFA website.
