England captain Steven Gerrard has vowed to support any player that comes to him claiming to have been racially abused at the European Championships.

The host nations of Poland and Ukraine have faced criticism over alleged racism leading up to and throughout the tournament, and Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie has already claimed that he was subjected to monkey chants during his side's 4-1 loss to Russia on Friday.

England, who open up their campaign against France tomorrow evening, are expected to start a number of black players, and Gerrard has promised to give his teammates his full backing should any incidents arise.

"I wouldn't encourage them to walk off the pitch, but if a player did come to me and say they had been racially abused I would take it to the referee and they would then take it up with UEFA," said Gerrard.

"I would certainly support any of the players who came to me."

Italy striker Mario Balotelli has already warned that he will walk off the pitch if he is subjected to any racist abuse.