France were starting to ask the home side’s defence more questions though and very almost halved the deficit after 65 minutes following a neat one-two in the box between Pogba and Martial, only for Jack Butland – who replaced Hart at the break – to foil the forward with a close-range block.
Advertisement
Common in European countries like France, armed police are generally rarely seen in Britain although they did patrol the London Olympic Games in 2012 and have taken on more of a high profile in recent years due to fears of attacks.
French footballer, Christian Karembeu, felt the out pouring of love and said the evening was “powerful”. Suicide bombers targeted Paris’s Stade de France during France’s 2-0 victory over Germany on Friday, leaving four people dead including three attackers.
Spurs bought Dier and Alli from Sporting Lisbon and MK Dons respectively last season while Ryan Mason and Harry Kane have been promoted from the club’s academy.
“But we have to say that life goes on, we keep our heads up and tonight we were able to find our pride again”.
England boss Roy Hodgson and his France counterpart Didier Deschamps embraced before kick-off after joining Football Association president Prince William in laying flowers for those killed. French Sports Minister Patrick Kanner said on Tuesday there was “no question” of cancelling Euro 2016 in France despite last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris. This was not a night for discussing who might make the plane to France next summer. “Everyone has their own way of displaying their emotions but it was certainly a moment where everyone came together”. We could send out a message through our solidarity with the English.
Lassana Diarra, whose cousin died in the attacks, received a standing ovation when he came on as section half substitute, as did Antoine Griezmann, whose sister was in the Bataclan theatre where many died, but thankfully managed to escape.
Former France defender Bixente Lizarazu, commentating on the game for French television, told the BBC: “This match is not easy for both teams, for anyone, not even the journalists”.
Wembley opened its arms to France and French team. The tone was respectful and reflected great credit on the Football Association, who handled every aspect of the night with great sensitivity.
Pre-match tributes were paid to the 129 victims of Friday’s co-ordinated terrorist assaults, including a rousing rendition of the French national anthem – La Marseillaise.
Advertisement
There were compelling arguments from both sides on whether this fixture should have been played so soon after Friday’s events but once the FFF made it clear this was its desire, it was the fervent wish of everyone involved that it should be a dignified, fitting memorial and a demonstration that life and sport goes on.
