England vs France team news: Lassana Diarra does not start, Eric Dier and Dele Alli line up in midfield
The French midfielder's cousin was killed in Friday's terrorist attacks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.France midfielder Lassana Diarra does not start in tonight’s friendly against England at Wembley, which is to be played despite the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday.
His cousin, Asta Diakite, was one of 129 people killed in mass shootings and bombings spread across the French capital.
Diarra, a former Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid player was playing in the friendly against Germany at the Stade de France on Friday as the attacks took place. During the game, three suicide bombers detonated themselves outside the stadium.
Antoine Griezmann, who also started against Germany, does not start. The Atletico Madrid forward’s sister escaped from the Bataclan theatre on Friday night, where a reported 89 people were killed.
England select Tottenham Hotspur pair Eric Dier and Dele Alli at the base of midfield. Their teammate Ryan Mason and Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard, late call-ups to the squad, will start on the bench.
Wayne Rooney returns to the side after not starting in the 2-0 defeat against Spain. He lines up in a front four alongisde Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Ross Barkley.
Line-ups
England: Hart, Clyne, Gibbs, Dier, Cahill, Stones, Alli, Barkley, Kane, Rooney, Sterling
Subs: Smalling, Butland, Jones, Walker, Bertrand, Shelvey, Mason, Lingard, Lallana, Heaton
France: Lloris, Sagna, Varane, Koscielny, Digne, Schneiderlin, Cabaye, Matuidi, Ben Arfa, Martial, Gignac
Subs: Costil, Mandanda, Jallet, Perrin, Mangala, Evra, Diarra, Pogba, Sissoko; Coman, Giroud, Griezmann
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments