“We struggled to focus, but, by playing, we were sending out a bigger message”, he said.
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Wembley’s giant arch was bathed in the blue, white and red of the Tricolore, the flag itself was stretched out across the turf while a giant mosaic in France’s national colours decorated one end of the stadium.
The game finished 2-0 for England, but many commented the evening was not about the score but showing support for France.
The most expensive teenager in the world has already notched up five goals in his first 14 appearances for the club and was named the Premier League Player of the Month in September. “Football is a global game and.it is not about religion or race”.
“The French team and the French Federation were very keen that the game should go ahead just to make certain that the terrorists don’t win”, he told broadcaster ITV before the match. The rousing rendition of their national anthem by the proud visiting fans allowed their passion to surface, with a perfectly observed minute’s silence enabling the whole stadium to show their respect.
“That’s what they wanted and it’s pretty much what we wanted too”. “Everyone who played the match is a professional player”. “In terms of performance, it was not easy for us”.
“When the coaches and Prince William laid the flowers on the turf, it was…well frankly, I don’t have the words”.
The result of the game was basically irrelevant to many, but the deeper symbolism of a very public show of solidarity between the World War Allies was plain to see.
However, the match – which was played in front of a crowd of 71,223 people – will be remembered for the way in which those who died in the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday were honoured before kick-off.
“We would like to thank everyone for their statements and their actions of solidarity”, France manager Didier Deschamps said.
Last Friday’s attacks had started with three suicide bombers blowing themselves up outside the Stade de France while France played Germany in a friendly.
Minutes later and Anthony Martial embarked on a dribble that saw him breeze past Nathaniel Clyne, before testing Hart with a low shot down to his left.
Roy Hodgson’s men emerged as 2-0 victors, courtesy of goals from Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney, but the sight of Martial leaving Wembley on crutches sparked fears that he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Armed police patrol at Wembley Stadium, in London, prior to the global friendly soccer match between England and France which takes place at Wembley Stadium, Tuesday, November 17, 2015.
Fans from both countries shared warm embraces outside the stadium. A few England supporters were wearing berets.
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Players from both teams wore black armbands. “Nothing has changed”, he said.
