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England v France: French national anthem La Marseillaise lyrics and translation

'We need to show that the terrorists will not win and we will defeat them'

Serina Sandhu
Monday 16 November 2015 14:17 GMT
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Wembley Stadium was lit up in the colours of the French Flag following the attacks
Wembley Stadium was lit up in the colours of the French Flag following the attacks (Roger Goodgroves/REX)

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Home fans are being encouraged to sing the French national anthem at the France-England football match at Wembley on Tuesday.

La Marseillaise is expected to be heard as an apparent act of defiance and show of unity following Friday's devastating terror attacks in Paris which killed 129 people.

Lyrics to the anthem will be shown on big screens at the stadium.

The decision to proceed with the football match was announced by the Home Secretary Theresa May following a Cobra emergency committee meeting.

“We are in absolute solidarity with the people of France and together we need to show that the terrorists will not win and we will defeat them,” she said.

Silence for Paris victims

England manager Roy Hodgson said: “I’m sure the England team and our fans will play their part and show solidarity with our French friends on Tuesday evening and provide support for both teams during this difficult time.”

It is understood that security will be increased for the game.

Lyrics to La Marseillaise:

Allons enfants de la Patrie,

Le jour de gloire est arrive!

Contre nous de la tyrannie,

L'etendard sanglant est leve,

Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

Mugir ces feroces soldats?

Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras

Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes!

Aux armes, citoyens,

Formez vos bataillons,

Marchons, marchons!

Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons!

And this is what they mean in English:

Arise children of the fatherland

The day of glory has arrived

Against us tyranny's

Bloody standard is raised

Listen to the sound in the fields

The howling of these fearsome soldiers

They are coming into our midst

To cut the throats of your sons and consorts

To arms citizens

Form your battalions

March, march

Let impure blood

Water our furrows

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