Hugo Lloris: England friendly will be 'great moment of solidarity' after Paris attacks

Hugo Lloris thinks the friendly will be a time to show solidarity and character

HUGO LLORIS believes France's friendly against England will be a time to show 'solidarity' following the terror attacks that rocked Paris.

 

Didier Deschamps' side have made the trip to London despite the horrific attacks on Friday night that went on during their 2-0 win over Germany.

Talk of Tuesday's game (8.00pm) being called off were rife, however, the decision came from the French Football Federation to go ahead.

And France captain Lloris believes it will be a time for the two teams to come together and show character in the face of adversity.

"The president made the best decision, I think, to play this game," he said.

 

"Of course we are human and we had doubts, whether to play or not, to go home or stay together. But I think it was well managed by the coach and the technical staff.

"The last three days were a bit dramatic. We were in mourning all together, we spent some time at Clairefontaine [the national football academy].

"We will try to escape from it for one hour and 30 minutes. There will be a lot of emotion from the players, but it will be a great moment of solidarity.

"It will be an opportunity for us to show character and share this moment with all the English people. 

 

Wembley's famous arch is sporting the French national colours

France arrived to find Wembley's arch lit up in the red, white and blue of their national flag in a fitting tribute.

And the words of their national anthem La Marseillaise will be displayed on the screens to encourage all fans to join together in singing it before the game.

Regarding the anthem, Lloris said: "We will sing that together and share in that moment.

 

"It will be sung by a great number of English people as well, which will make it stronger.

"I know the English very well and I know they're very respectful as far as this kind of event is concerned. I know they'll help us to commemorate.

"This game is a good opportunity to represent the French nation. The French nation is more important than French football tomorrow."

LYRICS TO LA MARSEILLAISE

Allons enfants de la Patrie,

Le jour de gloire est arrive!

Contre nous de la tyrannie,

L'etendard sanglant est leve,

Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

Mugir ces feroces soldats?

Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras

Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes!

Aux armes, citoyens,

Formez vos bataillons,

Marchons, marchons!

Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons!

The English translation reads:

Arise children of the fatherland

The day of glory has arrived

Against us tyranny's

Bloody standard is raised

Listen to the sound in the fields

The howling of these fearsome soldiers

They are coming into our midst

To cut the throats of your sons and consorts

To arms citizens

Form your battalions

March, march

Let impure blood

Water our furrows