Andrews Sykes staff unite for the England v France game at Wembley

Last night staff from both our French and English depots had the pleasure of coming together to watch the England v France game at Wembley. The game itself, however, marked more than just a friendly between competing teams.

The typical pre-game traditions were put on hold as both French and English supporters paid tribute to the events of last Friday in Paris. Wembley was lit up in France’s colours and the famous arch was illuminated to replicate the French Tricolore flag in blue, white and red. France’s motto of “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood) was then displayed on the stadium’s entrance.

Amongst the spectators were the Duke of Cambridge and David Cameron and wreaths were laid along the side of the stadium by Prince William and both England and France’s football managers, Roy Hodgson and Didier Deschamps.

In order to show England’s solidarity with France the Football Association encouraged English supporters to sing ‘La Marseillaise,’ the French National Anthem, in unison with the French team and supporters. The lyrics were displayed on screens across the stadium whilst a huge mosaic in the French colours was created on one site of the stadium. A minute’s silence was then observed as a mark of respect before kick-off.

More than 70,000 people came to watch the match which saw Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney score for England resulting in a 2-0 win but the most important message from the evening was solidarity between two countries.

As an international business, Andrews Sykes was proud to be able to send representatives from both our English and French businesses as a show of unity between our two countries.