Roy Hodgson has backed the decision to play the friendly against France on Tuesday

Roy Hodgson says England's friendly with France on Tuesday will give football the chance to show it is united in support of the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.

The FA and French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Saturday the Wembley friendly would go ahead despite the tragedy in the French capital on Friday night, which claimed the lives of at least 129 people and included suicide attacks on the Stade de France, where president Francois Hollande was watching the friendly between France and Germany.

Three people died in the explosions at the stadium, with two blasts occurring at entrances to the Stade de France and a third at a nearby McDonald's.

Thierry Henry, Anthony Martial and many more have paid their tributes on Twitter following the terror attacks in Paris. Thierry Henry, Anthony Martial and many more have paid their tributes on Twitter following the terror attacks in Paris.

A security guard on duty has revealed one terrorist had a ticket for the game and was blocked from entering the stadium. When he was frisked at the turnstile, it was discovered he was wearing an explosive vest, which he then detonated.

Sporting events in and around Paris were postponed for the rest of the weekend, with all of the European rugby matches due to be played across France also called off.

However, the FFF announced in a statement: "President Noel Le Graet confirmed on Saturday that the match between England and France scheduled for Tuesday November 17 (8pm local time) at Wembley will still take place."

And Hodgson believes the occasion will be important in showing support to the victims.

"On behalf of the England coaching staff and players, I would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the French nation at this extremely difficult time," he said in a statement.

"The events in Paris have left us all shocked and we are thinking of the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by these tragic events.

The Wembley arch displays the French Tricolour in tribute to the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks

"Today (Saturday) the FFF has informed us they would still like to play the fixture. We respect that decision and will prepare accordingly - both on and off the pitch.

"The match will be a serious occasion but one that shows that the football world is united against these atrocities.

"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."

The world of sport has been paying its respects to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris The world of sport has been paying its respects to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris

The FA took security advice before agreeing to play the game, saying in a statement: "We have liaised extensively with, and taken advice from Government and the relevant authorities, who are also in support of the decision to fulfil the fixture.

"Along with the FFF, we will discuss how to appropriately mark the tragic incidents at Tuesday's fixture."

FA chairman Greg Dyke added: "Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the city of Paris after these terrible atrocities.

We will use the opportunity to pay our respects to all affected and also to express our solidarity with the people of France. Greg Dyke

"On behalf of The FA, I want to express our sorrow and send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives.

"After consulting this morning with the French Football Federation and the British Government, we have decided together that the match between our two countries at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night should go ahead.

The Sunday Supplement panel discuss what impact the Paris attacks will have on Euro 2016 and the friendly between England and France on Tuesday The Sunday Supplement panel discuss what impact the Paris attacks will have on Euro 2016 and the friendly between England and France on Tuesday

"We will use the opportunity to pay our respects to all affected and also to express our solidarity with the people of France."

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fans' safety at Euro 2016, which is being held in France next summer and Le Graet told L'Equipe: "For the Euros, there was already a big worry. Today it's obviously even stronger."