Flower power: England will don the poppy on Saturday after FIFA stood down

FIFA's U-turn came after Tory MP Chris Heaton-Harris, a qualified referee, had first suggested the armband solution which keeps within the rules of the game, while Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William had added their heavyweight voices to the  widespread anger over FIFA's stance.

The statement from the FA said: 'The FA can confirm that FIFA today agreed that the England team will now be permitted to wear a poppy on the black armbands the players will wear during Saturday's match with Spain. While continuing to adhere to the laws of the game, wearing the poppy on the armband does ensure the poppy will be visible throughout the game. The FA welcomes FIFA's decision and thanks them for agreeing to this.'

'It is a victory for common sense and respectability'

Peter Shilton, England's most capped player, said: 'I'm pleased there's been some sort of  compromise because it is very important to the country that we remember those who died for us in wars. I can understand FIFA want to be careful. They don't want to start something where every country wants to celebrate this, that and the other on their shirts, but to have said no would have been in bad taste.'

The Prime Minister said during Question Time: 'It seems outrageous. The idea that wearing a poppy to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom is a political act is absurd. Wearing a poppy is an act of huge respect and national pride.'

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