Uniting in a symbol of defiance and respect, players and fans of the French and English football teams delivered a moving display of solidarity at Wembley Stadium at a friendly staged four days after the deadly attacks in Paris.
A touching pre-game ceremony saw England and France supporters sing the French national anthem as one, before the squads came together around the center circle for an impeccably observed minute of silence in honor of the 129 people killed.
Wembley’s iconic arch was lit up in the blue, white, and red of the French flag, while the French motto “liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” was projected on the front of the national stadium.
England won 2-0, but rarely has the result of a soccer match — particularly one this prestigious — felt so irrelevant.
“This will be shown round the world and will show unity,” said England captain Wayne Rooney.
Prince William, who helped lay floral tributes beside the field, and British Prime Minister David Cameron were among the 71,223 spectators at Wembley, where there was an increased police presence and enhanced security measures that included compulsory bag searches.
last Friday, Suicide bombers attacked the Stade de France, where France was playing Germany in a friendly. The teams spent the night in the stadium as carnage struck elsewhere.
Dele Alli and Rooney, with his record-extending 51st England goal, were the scorers for the home side.