The team will wear red shirts at Villa Park on Wednesday, with a slogan on the front and the badge of the 'Kick it Out' campaign, an organisation which aims to rid football of racism, on the sleeves.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "This is a unique opportunity for fans and players to join together to speak out against racism.

"The players are always very proud to wear the England shirt but this time it will have even more meaning for them."

It will be the first time in 133 years of international football that an England shirt has carried anything other than the three lions badge and manufacturer's logo.

Football Association spokesman Adrian Bevington said the exact wording of the message would be announced next week.

The FA's move follows an announcement by the Dutch that they intend to make their own stand against racism by playing in a black and white kit rather than their traditional orange.

England's black players have been the target of racist abuse in several of their last internationals, most-recently when Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole were targeted during a friendly against Spain in Madrid in November.

Last week Manchester United and England centre-half Rio Ferdinand joined France's Thierry Henry in launching an anti-racism campaign.

The Arsenal striker was also the subject of a racist jibe by Spain's manager Luis Aragones during a training-ground tirade at Henry's club-mate Jose Reyes.

FIFA have given the FA special permission to wear the shirts and fans will be asked to hold up cards with an anti-racism message during the national anthems.