England players and fans were offered a warm welcome in Pristina and other cities for their Euro 2020 qualifier against Kosovo.
Both countries’ flags were put up around the capital along with banners that read “welcome and respect “.
One shop front had a poster of England forward Raheem Sterling with the words “welcome bro”.
The Kosovans’ friendly greeting was in stark contrast to some of England’s international matches this year, including againstBulgariaandMontenegrowhich were marred by racist abuse directed at black players including Sterling.
The positive welcome is also a reminder of the gratitude felt by people in Pristina and in the rest of the country for the UK’s involvement in its liberation from what was then the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after the 1998 – 99 Kosovo war.
Some children were even named Tonibler in honor of the former prime minister Tony Blair following his role in the NATO military campaign against ex-Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic’s regime.
Hundreds of England fans traveled out for the game – the team’s last competitive match before next summer’s tournament – in the 13, 000 – seat Fadil Vokrri stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s side already top their group and will want to finish off the qualifying campaign with a win to ensure they are one of the top seeds for the 30 November draw.
But a draw or defeat in Pristina could see the Three Lions drop into the second pot of seeds – meaning they could face the likes of Portugal and Belgium in a possible group of death.
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