"THE KILLERS WON'T WIN"

The arch at Wembley stadium is lit in the colours of France's flag, and France's motto "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite" emblazoned on Wembley stadium in north London, November 16, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Prime Minister David Cameron said it was important for Britain to stand side-by-side with its neighbor, the world cup winners from 1998.

"Now, more than ever, we must come together and stand united and carry on with the way of life that we know and that we love," he told parliament. "This match is going ahead."

The players were led on to the pitch by Prince William and the two team managers who carried wreaths.

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité' were beamed on to the side of the stadium while the words of the French national anthem were displayed on large screens for fans.

The two teams have close ties, with 13 of the French squad of 23 either currently or previously playing their club football in England.

French international Lassana Diarra, who lost a cousin during the attacks, came on as a substitute during the second half, receiving warm applause from both sets of fans as he ran on to the pitch.

Common in European countries like France, armed police are generally rarely seen in Britain although they did patrol the London Olympic Games in 2012 and have taken on more of a high profile in recent years due to fears of attacks.

"We've all got to come together against terrorism and they're not going to stop us living our lives and being who we are. They won't win," Paul Lloyd, a 52-year-old England supporter wearing a red England shirt, said before the match.

France's captain, Hugo Lloris, thanked England's fans for their support. He said his side had struggled to concentrate but added that it had been important to show courage.