UK Edition
England hold secret security meetings as spectre of terror attack looms over Euro 2016
The England team have had a secret terror briefing in France amid deepening fears of a jihadist-inspired atrocity at Euro 2016.
Tony Conniford, the Football Association security chief, took players and backroom staff for one-on-one chats to avoid upsetting the camp prior to Saturday’s game.
An England team source said: “The players weren’t called together as a group but have been spoken to individually about what to do and how to react should the worst happen.
“They were advised on evacuation procedures and told exactly what to do in the event of an attack.
“Everyone is aware of the increased threat but the aim was to keep that thought in the background while making sure everyone is properly briefed.
“Tony is hugely experienced after a 30 year career with the Metropolitan Police before joining the FA and is ideally placed to offer advice.
“He has spent a long time working on security procedures and choreographed the plan in the event of an emergency.
“We feel we are well prepared and in safe hands - but our focus while we are here will be on football and going as far as we possibly can in the tournament.
“Players have obviously noticed the French plain-clothed officers shadowing them and are well aware that they are armed.
“But it’s has been explained that this is a reassuring presence and should not be a source of concern.”
England squad members are being shielded by French police close protection officers discretely armed with automatic pistols in shoulder holsters under their suit jackets.
They work alongside unarmed special forces-trained British security staff directed by Conniford - who was awarded the MBE after rising to Assistant Director at the UK Football Policing Unit before his move to the FA.
Gendarmes armed with rapid-firing Heckler and Koch sub machine guns and side arms form a second ring supported by French special forces troops on standby.
And army units - already spotted in camouflage fatigues near the team hotel in Chantlly - will also be stationed close to the squad wherever they go.
Security chief Conniford declined to comment on his key role yesterday as he continued work on preparations for Saturday’s match.
FA officials have also declined to confirm the location of the hotel where England will spend Friday night amid spiralling security tension in Marseille.
Conniford said on his appointment in December 2013 : "I've worked in many different roles throughout my police career and in the past two decades had a particular focus on football.
“This challenging role is an absolute dream come true."
An FA spokesman said: “We don’t talk about security around the team but can say that we are very happy with the arrangements in place.
“The low key approach we have adopted has raised awareness while allowing us to focus on football.”