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Football

Attacks won't stop France vs England friendly

The French football team is in England preparing for Tuesday's friendly game, after all 23 Les Bleues players turned down the option to withdraw following the Paris terror attacks. Football was particularly affected by Friday night's events, with three suicide bombers blowing themselves up outside the Stade de France as France played Germany in the first friendly of the series.

France's Laurent Koscielny in action with Germany's Mario Gomez during the France-Germany friendly at Stade de France on 13 November, 2015
France's Laurent Koscielny in action with Germany's Mario Gomez during the France-Germany friendly at Stade de France on 13 November, 2015 Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes
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France midfielder Lassana Diarra's cousin was one of 129 people killed in the attacks, while the sister of striker Antoine Griezmann escaped from the Bataclan theatre, where 89 people died.

The French Football Federation insisted the game should go ahead, but coach Didier Deschamps did offer players the chance to sit out the game.

It's now being seen as an opportunity for both countries to show a united front. A campaign on social media is urging England fans to join in singing the French national anthem before kick-off.

The Wembley Arch will be illuminated in the red, white and blue colours of the French flag.

England manager Roy Hodgson has welcomed the decision to play the match, saying the football should be united against such atrocities.

With the England Football Association expecting a crowd of more than 70,000 people for the game, fans are being urged to get to Wembley early to make time for increased security checks.

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