Lloris in call for show of solidarity

France captain Hugo Lloris believes doubts about the sense of playing tonight’s friendly against England have quickly been replaced by a desire for solidarity.

Didier Deschamps’ squad has travelled to Wembley despite the terrorist atrocities in Paris in Friday night after French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet made the decision to proceed with the match.

Midfielder Lassana Diarra’s cousin Asta Diakite was one of the 129 people who died across the city, while forward Antoine Griezmann’s sister Maud managed to escape the mass killing at the Bataclan theatre.

Le Graet opted not to inform the team of the situation until after the match and there have been claims several players were unhappy to be told the England friendly would go ahead, having also not being consulted.

“We had some doubts and concerns about the game, but in the end the president confirmed we had to play.

“We respect his decision,” Lloris said.

“It’s only human to have a few doubts whether to play or not, but the whole situation has been handled very well.

“We weren’t cut off from the world. We were together, discussing the events of Friday and following things on the television or the internet.

“This will be a good opportunity to represent the French nation which is more important than football on this night.

“This will be a great moment of solidarity. It will be an opportunity to show our character.

“The only thought we can have is to play football and to escape for 90 minutes.”

Hugo Lloris