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We'll let referee deal with racists, says Berahino

Saido Berahino scored the decisive goal in the first leg in Wolverhampton to ensure England take a lead to Croatia © PA Photos

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Saido Berahino says England under-21s have prepared for any potential racist provocation they may face when they take on Croatia in their European Championship play-off second leg.

Gareth Southgate's side head into Tuesday's clash with a 2-1 advantage following the first-leg victory at Molineux on Friday.

The return game falls almost two years after England's European Championship play-off win in Serbia, which was marred by fights between players over alleged racist chants from home fans towards England.

"If it does happen [racist abuse] we have had discussions and we know how to deal with it," Berahino said in the Independent. "We are just going to let the referee handle it, and we are not going to get involved in any of it. That is how we will qualify."

Berahino added: "We will definitely need more of that character [from the first game] to get through the second leg. We are going to possibly encounter all sorts of situations and we have to be ready for anything.

"We expect Croatia to give their all and push on. They won't give an inch at their place. They showed us respect on Friday because they were away from home. It will be a time for cool heads. We can't go out there panicking."

Berahino's nine goals for England under-21s means he now trails the record held by both Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers by just four.

"It is great that target is not far away now," he said. "Of course it is a target. We have had a great campaign so far and we all look forward to every game that comes along."

His club form at West Brom has also led to calls that he deserves a call-up to England's senior side.

"You just concentrate on each game," he said. "Of course we notice all the names who have got called up and you aspire to that."

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