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A day that was supposed to bring plenty of Chelsea involvement ended up with just two players making getting caps for their national teams. England's Brave Gary Cahill and young Czech defender Tomas Kalas were the only two in action, as Belgium vs. Spain was canceled due to security concerns and Andreas Christensen went unused on the bench as Denmark were eliminated by Sweden in the Euro 2016 qualifying playoffs.
There were reports that England vs. France was going to be canceled in the wake of Friday's attacks in Paris, and the pre-match news that the Germany vs. Netherlands friendly in Hanover was called off at the last minute, too, thanks to a credible security threat did not help the general feeling of unease that many were experiencing. Fortunately, the stadium in Hanover was evacuated safely and there were no explosives found.
No explosives found or arrests made on 'sad day for German football' in Hannover: https://t.co/nSR5k1ry6s #GERNED pic.twitter.com/fquS77Ajok
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) November 17, 2015
Scenes of a much more uplifting nature played out at Wembley however, as England and France fans joined in support of each other, sang La Marseillaise together, and displayed the sort of human solidarity that can sometimes elevate sports from merely the most important of life's less important things, to something wonderful and significant and deeply meaningful.
Whole of Wembley sings French national anthem to honour Paris terror victims https://t.co/TfawpxryYr pic.twitter.com/GmyU29tL1Y
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) November 17, 2015
The match itself was a decent affair as well, England's Dele Alli rocketing home a rather wonderful shot before Wayne Rooney settled the tie with a second for the Three Lions. Gary Cahill played the full match and looked assured alongside future (alternate reality) Chelsea teammate John Stones, except when they were left exposed by the midfield letting Cabaye run through unchecked. In the end, it was just a friendly, and a friendly serving a far greater purpose than just a quick little run-about at that, so there's little reason to read too much into this result. So clearly, England are going to win the Euros.
Most importantly, Cahill did not get hurt, unlike Manchester United's Anthony Martial, who left the stadium on crutches.
Elsewhere, Tomas Kalas started at right back for the Czech Republic, who conceded two quick goals to Poland and went on to lose 3-1. They probably won't mind too much, seeing as how they're one of the 24 finalists for next summer's tournament in France.
CONFIRMED: The pots for the #EURO2016 finals draw on Saturday 12 December. pic.twitter.com/wXirj6XBYL
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) November 17, 2015