Tight security but English FA promises 'solidarity with France' at Wembley friendly

The English Football Association has said fans should arrive at Wembley early for Tuesday night’s friendly between England and France due to stronger security precautions in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris,

All bags will be checked before access is allowed into the stadium, and more security officers have been drafted in to create a stronger and more visible presence for the 70,000 spectators who are expected.

The Stade de France was one of the targets during the attacks on Paris on Friday.

The FA has not been told of any threat to the match but the fact a suicide bomber attempted to gain access to the Stade de France on Friday night has highlighted the fact that sports events may be a future target.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: “We’d like fans to turn up a bit earlier as there will be more security checks and police around the area.”

The lyrics of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, will be displayed on the big screens so that all fans can join in the singing.

The thoughts of everyone at Wembley Stadium are with the people of France at this extremely difficult time pic.twitter.com/MSbrDRPbVk

— Wembley Stadium (@wembleystadium) November 14, 2015

Wembley’s giant arch will shine in red, white and blue while the French flag and national slogan of ’Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite’ will be shown displayed on LED screens on Wembley Way.

There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off and both teams will wear black armbands to remember the 129 people killed in Friday’s attacks.

Glenn added: “7.55pm is when the game will really begin as we show our solidarity with France.”