Paris attacks: Hugo Lloris says France must use England game to escape from despair

France and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has thanked the football world for the outpouring of support in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, urging his teammates to use Tuesday's friendly against England to "escape" from last week's atrocities.

Lloris and France are in London just four days after the co-ordinated attacks that ravaged Paris and left at least 129 dead. On what will be an emotional evening, the FA will use the match to pay respect to those who lost their lives, lighting up Wembley's infamous arch in the colours of the French tri-colour with all supporters in attendance encouraged to join in during the French national anthem La Marseillaise, with the lyrics to be displayed on big screens around the stadium.

"We have been touched by messages of support, particularly those from London and England," Lloris told a press conference at Wembley. "I know the English well, I know they will help us commemorate and do the right thing in terms of supporting us and we are grateful for all of the messages of support.

"We have to try escape during the game, and of course there will be lot of emotion from us, the players, But I say, we are in London, we are in England. We know the people are very respectful and will be a great moment of solidarity."

In the aftermath of the attacks that rocked the French capital there were immediate doubts over whether Tuesday's match against Roy Hodgson would take place. On Sunday, president of the French Football Federation Noël Le Graët confirmed he alone had made the decision for the game to go ahead.

Reports on Monday 16 November suggested some members of the French dressing room were "unhappy" with the decision, but Lloris maintains the right decision was made.

"The decision to stay in Clairefontaine [France's training camp] was taken quickly. We are only human, but the time has gone quickly and we have not been cut off from the world. The whole situation has been handled well by the manager, the backroom staff, the French FA and the president so we are ready to play tomorrow.

"It is important for us to all be together, to sing as one group and share the moment. It will be amazing, the majority of England fans will be signing along, making it more touching and emotional for us all."