Fans, police gather at Wembley for France-England match

While the Germany-Netherlands soccer match has been canceled, in London, fans are arriving at Wembley Stadium to see France take on England under heavy security.

With a police helicopter whirring overhead and armed officers on patrol, England and France soccer fans are mingling outside Wembley Stadium on ahead of what should be an emotionally charged international friendly taking place four days after the deadly attacks in Paris.

The atmosphere is calm on a wet and windy evening in London and there is no sense of panic among supporters, who appear intent on sending a defiant message of unity after at least 129 people died in a string of coordinated attacks in the French capital on Friday.

“Tonight is more about solidarity than football,” says 31-year-old England fan Robert Williams, who is wearing a beret and holding a France flag. “It is about remembering the people that have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.”

Prince William and British Prime Minister David Cameron are expected to be among the near-80,000 spectators at English football’s national stadium, where there was an increased police presence and enhanced security measures, including compulsory bag searches.

— Agencies