Harry Kane has called on Qatar to make sure homosexual England fans feel safe during the World Cup.
Homosexuality is outlawed in Qatar, leading to concerns over safety for gay fans travelling to the Islamic country for the tournament, which starts on November 21.
‘It’s really important that they feel safe,’ said the England captain on Wednesday.
‘As a nation we want our fans to really enjoy the tournament as much as hopefully we enjoy the tournament and we want them to feel free to watch the games how they please.’
Kane said that the World Cup cannot just be a ‘quick fix’ for human rights abuses in Qatar but that it must bring change ‘for ever’.
The Tottenham striker confirmed England held a 30-minute meeting led by manager Gareth Southgate at St George’s Park on Tuesday over the issues of human rights abuses in Qatar that are overshadowing the build-up.
The FA are considering a range of options on how the team could take a stance but Kane said players are yet to decide on the action they will take.
Sportsmail understands that the team will take some sort of stand ahead of the tournament.
‘Any issues that we are trying to resolve are trying to be resolved for ever,’ he said.
‘It is not just a quick fix. The fact there is a light shining on Qatar will help the situation and help us talk about it. But it is important those conversations carry on.
‘It is similar to taking the knee. It is not just something we did for a small amount of time. By carrying on, we keep showing our support, and that has been really important.
‘The same thing will happen in Qatar and after the tournament it will be important to keep talking about the issue and make sure anything we do to help or improve is for the rest of time, not just a few months.
‘For us now as players it’s important to talk among ourselves — not just this camp but camps going forward.
‘I feel like as a group we’ve never shied away from important issues.’
Kane is keen to a speak to other national captains to present a united front ahead of the tournament.
He added: ‘When you are together as nations and you have that unity and togetherness in terms of captains or countries all driving towards the same thing, you can send a message.
‘It is something I will try to do — we have some big leaders in the Tottenham team for the national sides and I know good friends like Gareth Bale (of Wales) and Christian Eriksen (Denmark) and it will be my responsibility to talk to them and try to show awareness.
‘Look, as a leader, not just of this team but my club team as well, it is important to talk about these things and not just hide away from it.’
Meanwhile, Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, 34, has been called into England’s squad after West Brom’s Sam Johnstone withdrew through illness.
A predomenantly female delegation is being sent by the FA to the World Cup draw in Qatar on April 1. The main three-person party will include chairwoman Debbie Hewitt, head of international relations Jane Bateman and chief executive Mark Bullingham.
The FA’s director of communications, Louisa Fyans, will attend in an official observer capacity. Manager Gareth Southgate will also be present.
Sportsmail understands that the FA’s director of international relations Edleen John — who is currently under an FA investigation amid bullying claims — is not going to Qatar.