Tonight's match between England and France will be no normal international friendly. But the sight of 80,000 England fans singing La Marseillaise might just be the ultimate act of fraternité.

Ad

England's FA have confirmed they will be displaying the lyrics to the French national anthem on the big screens, and manager Roy Hodgson has called on fans to sing along.

In a break with usual home-away protocol, France's anthem will be sung after God Save the Queen, before a minute's silence to remember the victims of Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

https://twitter.com/markpougatch/status/665538808948068352

England manager Hodgson switched into French to explain the decision – he learned the language while managing the Swiss national team in the mid-90s – saying he hoped England fans would join in with the French national team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1RHPLFsp4E

Here are the lyrics to the shortened version of La Marseillaise, always sung before sports matches.

Allons, enfants de la Patrie
Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
Contre nous, de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats?
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
Égorger nos fils, nos compagnes!

Aux armes, citoyens!
Formez vos bataillons
Marchons, marchons!
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons!

And here's probably the best movie rendition ever: Casablanca.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM-E2H1ChJM

The Wembley Arch will be lit up in the blue, white and red of the French Tricolore, and cards will be left on the seats at England's home end to form the flag during the anthem.

Ad

The FA are advising fans travelling to the game to arrive early: "For your convenience it is preferable for supporters not to bring bags and there will be increased bag searches upon entrance," a statement read.

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

Ad
Ad
Ad
Create an image depicting a festive scene with elements from the top Christmas songs, such as a snowy New York for 'Fairytale of New York', a cozy home setting for 'Last Christmas', and a glamorous Christmas party for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. Include musical notes and festive decorations to represent the spirit of these iconic Christmas songs.

RT offer

Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

hello
An image depicting a festive scene with iconic Christmas elements such as a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with twinkling lights, snow gently falling, and perhaps a cozy fireplace in the background. The image should capture the essence of popular Christmas songs, with musical notes and lyrics subtly included in the design, representing a playlist of classic Christmas tunes.

summer

Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

More