Didier Deschamps: French anthem was 'special, moving, grandiose moment'

While some struggled to hold back the unavoidable tears, others remained composed during the singing of "La Marseillaise" before Tuesday's international friendly between England and France.

Overall, however, players were caught up in the emotion of the occasion as the better part of 70,000 football supporters belted out the lyrics to France's national anthem in honour of the visiting team just days after terror attacks rocked Paris.

National team manager Didier Deschamps was grateful for the gesture by France's European neighbours. Afterward, he revealed the depths at which the moment was received by himself and likely many watching the pregame ceremony at Wembley Stadium.

"You felt it in your heart, you felt it in your gut, it was a special, moving, grandiose moment," Deschamps told reporters when asked to describe the experience.

The token of respect was planned in advance of Tuesday's match and will likely live longer in memory than the actual result, a 2-0 win for England.

While most on the French national team were impacted in some way or another by Friday night's events, few were as personally affected as Lassana Diarra, whose cousin died in the attacks. Yet the midfielder remained with his teammates and even featured as a second-half substitute.

"I really respect his choice (to play), how he has carried himself during this difficult period," Deschamps said.

"He sent us a remarkable message. His presence was something very strong. That's why I sent him on at the end."

Deschamps also revealed he caught wind of the events in Germany, where a friendly against the Netherlands was cancelled due to a security threat, before the game, but elected not to relay the news.

"I found out about it during the warmup ... but I didn't think there was any need to transmit it to my players."