The atmosphere at Wembley tonight promises to be electric.
One could forgive the France team if they don’t turn in the most intense of performances, coming as it does just four days after their 2-0 defeat to Germany was disrupted by bombers on a night when Paris was rocked by terrorist attacks.
In the wake of 129 deaths in the French capital, some have questioned the decision to go ahead with tonight’s friendly between England and France, with Les Bleus captain Hugo Lloris admitting last night they had no choice.
“It’s only human to have a few doubts, whether to play or not,” the Spurs keeper said. “We had some concerns but in the end the president confirmed we had to play this game.
“Like all my team-mates, I respect his decision. It will be a good opportunity to represent our country: the French nation is more important than French football on Tuesday.”
With the glamour tie transformed into a show of defiance in the face of terrorism, the singing of the French national anthem could be a very special moment.
The English FA intend to show the lyrics to “La Marseillaise” on the big screen but for those watching at home the Daily Mirror have printed the words to the French anthem on their back page.
