England went ahead with their Football friendly at Wembley last night, despite the clear pain of the French nation over the last few days. 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.
Victory for England, uniting of countries
England gained a morale boosting 2-0 victory over a strong French squad, whatever the state of turmoil in many of the opposition players' minds. None more so one feels than second half substitute Lassana Diarra, who suffered the painful loss of his cousin in the recent attacks in Paris.
The decisive goals sandwiched the interval: Spurs' rising star Dele Alli curled a delightful shot (via a slight deflection) past his club colleague Hugo Lloris into the top corner before the break; captain Wayne Rooney converted a Raheem Sterling cross with a clinical volleyed finish early in the second period.
Man of the match Alli
Nineteen-year-old Alli was named man of the match by Glenn Hoddle and his determination despite the occasion was clear for all to see. His crunching full- blooded tackle was key in the build up to the first goal.
Result superfluous to occasion
Yet the match and result was essentially superfluous in the grand scheme of things other than to re-assert the French nation's determination to bounce back from adversity.
The symbolism was evident before the kick-off as Prince William joined Roy Hodgson and Didier Deschamps in placing floral tributes by the touchline. Flags of the two nations were laid on the Wembley turf, an indication of the mutual respect and support between the countries in recent times.
Besides the presence of royalty at the stadium, a sizeable crowd of over 70,000 joined forces to sing La Marseillaise in honour of the 129 people who died and many more who were injured in Friday's terrorist atrocities.
The Prime Minister David Cameron was also in attendance amid the increased security measures in evidence at the event.
Images beamed across the world
With the Wembley arch lit up in the French colours of red, white and blue, the pictures were beamed across the world.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.
Players and managers unite
The players wore black armbands and broke with usual protocol by mixing together while the minute's silence was observed around the centre circle, embracing the football family ethic. Hodgson hugged his opposite number Deschamps at the final whistle, a show of support as much as commiseration one expects.
Relief for England
On the playing front, England gained some relief after a patchy performance in Spain. The French showed that they would not let their spirit be quashed by the recent events and will no doubt be a threat to anyone on home soil at Euro 2016. That too is scheduled to go ahead with the hosts in no mood to give in to the terrorists and cancel such a key event.
Worldwide terrorist threat continues
Elsewhere in Europe the very real threat to major sporting events continued. Germany's friendly with the Netherlands was called off after a "concrete security threat" on Tuesday night.
