Rio Ferdinand believes "empowered" players will start walking off in the face of racism if the authorities do not take stronger action soon.

Last week during England's World Cup qualifier in Hungary, Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were subjected to racist abuse but Gareth Southgate's side did not let it deter them and secured an impressive 4-0 win.

It followed Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka receiving racist messages on social media after they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in July.

During the same month, the Germany men's Olympic team walked off in their friendly against Honduras after their player Jordan Torunarigha was subjected to alleged racism while Valencia did similar back in April when defender Mouctar Diakhaby was alleged to have suffered racism abuse in a LaLiga game with Cadiz.

With the latest international break over, England's players turn their attention back to club football and next week Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Man United start their Champions League campaigns.

United forward Mason Greenwood, a notable absentee from Southgate's squad, will aim to continue his fine start to the season during the coming days against Newcastle and Young Boys.

Ferdinand feels the teenager has time on his side in his bid to become a star for his country.

"I think there is a plan for Greenwood," the 42-year-old insisted.

"His ability is that good and his ceiling is so high, he is quite a unique case and there is no rush for him. He will get games and goals for England, that is a fact I think.

"I have said it from the first moment I saw him out of all the young England strikers from his generation, he will outscore all of them if he continues to improve the way he is."

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