Football
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Armed patrols at Wembley while England honour Westminster victims

England's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on Sunday will be preceded by a minute's silence and an on-field tribute to victims of the Westminster terror attack, while armed patrols will be in operation around Wembley.

The assault in London on Wednesday left five people dead, including attacker Khalid Masood, and more than 50 injured.

The incident unfolded hours before England's friendly with Germany in Dortmund and, rather than act in haste on the day, the FA decided to mark the occasion at its World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on home turf.

As well as the prematch silence, England will wear black armbands during the match and there is set to be a prematch wreath-laying ceremony featuring specially-invited guests, though the FA has yet to confirm who will be in attendance.

During the match, which kicks off at 5 p.m., the Wembley arch will be lit up in red and white.

Fans can also expect to see armed police as they make their way to the ground as part of the Metropolitan Police's increased security presence.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told Press Association Sport: "In light of Wednesday's events there are additional patrols across the capital. These will include armed police around Wembley Stadium. The public are advised to remain vigilant."

The number of additional officers at the ground has not been revealed but is said to be "appropriate."

Matchday programmes were already in production before the attack and will not contain references to it, though there will be a tribute to former England manager Graham Taylor, who died in January at the age of 72.

England midfielder Eric Dier urged supporters on Friday to be respectful and back the team "in the right way" against Lithuania following the unsavoury behaviour of some fans during Wednesday's 1-0 loss in Germany.

The England Supporters Travel Club has written to members warning that anyone involved in anti-social, xenophobic or disrespectful behaviour in Germany will have their membership withdrawn.

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