England coach Hodgson says the match is a chance to show support for the victims

DPA/London


England’s friendly against France tomorrow will be played with the Paris terror attacks fresh in the minds of many.
The match at Wembley Stadium comes just four days after a series of acts in the French capital which left nearly 130 people dead.
Three were killed in bomb attacks near the Stade de France, where France were playing world champions Germany in a friendly.
The French Football Association said Saturday it wanted the game to go on and England manager Roy Hodgson feels it’s a chance for football to show its support for the victims.
“We respect the decision and will prepare accordingly, both on and off the pitch,” he said. “The match will be a serious occasion but one that shows that the football world is united against these atrocities.
“I am sure the England team and our fans will play their part and show solidarity with our French friends on Tuesday and provide support for both teams during this difficult time.”
England will try to bounce back from a 2-0 away loss to European champions Spain on Friday.
It was their first defeat since last year’s World Cup and followed a perfect 10-game run through qualifying for Euro 2016.
Hodgson had said he wanted his team to face top-notch competition in preparation for the Euros after sweeping through a rather weak qualifying group.
But injuries have hit the England squad and midfielder Michael Carrick was the latest added to a growing list after twisting his ankle in Spain.
“Going into the game on Tuesday it’s a bit worrying,” Hodgson said.  “The midfield is already very, very depleted and we lost another player in Michael Carrick.”
Captain Wayne Rooney will return to the starting line-up after being used as a substitute on Friday as Hodgson tried new combinations with his youthful squad.
Jamie Vardy, the Premier League’s top scorer, is also still a doubt after sitting out the Spain game with an injury.
Harry Kane, who stated in Rooney’s place, said there were positives to be taken from the loss.
“It’s good to test ourselves and we gained a lot from it, lots of experience and we know what we’ve got to work on.
“France will be tough, they have got some great players as well, but we’ve just got to stay confident, stay focused and do the right things.”
France’s 2-0 win over Germany likely meant little compared to what was going on around the Stade de France in northern Paris.
Explosions were audible in the stadium and many fans congregated on the pitch after the match instead of immediately leaving.
France midfielder Lassana Diarra was personally affected as his cousin Asta Diakite was one of those killed.
“She was like a big sister to me,” the midfielder said Saturday on Twitter.
“In this climate of terror, it is important for all of us who represent our country and its diversity to stay united against a horror which has no color, no religion.”