England captain Rooney reflects on special night at Wembley

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere – who had been due to attend the match along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel – later said the game was cancelled “to protect the population”, but did not provide specifics. “It was also, surely, one of the most poignant”.

“It was a hard night for everyone, especially for the French players and staff”, Rooney said.

France’s players were caught up in the attacks that ripped through Paris in several locations on Friday.

The match, billed as a symbol of reconciliation between the nations, was marred by fans who disrupted the moment of silence for the victims in the Paris attacks. It was “affirmation that a way of life could not be broken”.

But France, perhaps with the occasion getting to them, started to fade.

To do it at Wembley and score my first goal for England is a great moment for me. “Rarely can a group of footballers have looked as deflated and strangely bruised as France did here”.

The stadium was illuminated in the colours of the French tricolor flag and the country’s national motto of “Liberte, egalite, fraternite” ahead of kick-off.

By the time England had won 2-0, news was filtering in of a scare at a stadium in Germany. Both sets of players will wear black armbands.

Broadcaster ITV will not run an advert break after the anthems as a mark of respect.

How important is Anthony Martial for Manchester United?

Hodgson admits it is unlikely he will start with Jesse Lingard, who was called into the squad on Sunday despite playing just 193 minutes of Premier League football. “Their players might be taking that into consideration”.

“This will be shown round the world and will show unity”.

It is not clear how severe Martial’s injury is, with French coach Didier Deschamps indicating there is no huge reason for worry now.

On Saturday afternoon, the French journalist Philippe Auclair tweeted: “France will play at Wembley on Tuesday”.

On Friday, van Gaal might also speak about Michael Carrick after the 34-year-old was stretchered off during England’s 2-0 defeat to Spain last Friday, having suffered an apparent ankle injury. We can say one thing for sure: “the English know how to welcome people”.

The players were led on to the pitch by Prince William and the two team managers who carried wreaths, while supporters from both sides waved the French tricolour, a few with posters reading “Pray for Paris”. A minute’s silence for the victims of the Paris attacks was then observed impeccably.

A Deli Alli-inspired England beat France in an emotionally-charged evening at Wembley.

“That was as close as you can get to it. He was quite outstanding”.

France midfielder Lassana Diarra’s cousin was one among those killed on Friday.

“He kept his head high, has smiled and has spoken to us all”, Sagna said of Diarra.