England’s footballers have arrived home after a heart-breaking defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
For the second successive year, Gareth Southgate’s men came within touching distance of silverware but fell short at the final hurdle.
A jet carrying the team landed at Stansted Airport just before 2pm and England manager Southgate led the players and coaching staff off the plane.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Alvaro Morata poses with the trophy after arriving in Madrid. Pic: Reuters
The players could be seen briefly as they left the plane and headed into a private terminal.
Earlier, the team emerged from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Berlin, where they had been staying, and players and coaches were clapped out by watching fans and staff as they made their way to the team bus, taking them to the airport.
Southgate waved to those watching amid speculation over his future.
A large group of well-wishers watched from behind railings in the German capital as the squad walked to the waiting vehicle.
Shortly after, Captain Harry Kane said he was “heartbroken we couldn’t achieve what we worked so hard to”.
In a post on X, he added: “It was a long, tough tournament, and I’m so proud of the boys and staff for getting to the final.
“Ultimately we fell short of our target and will have to live with that but, as we always do, we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down, and be ready to fight again in an England shirt.
“Thank you to all the fans that believed in us and supported us to the very end.”
Speaking to Sky News, former England manager Sam Allardyce discussed Gareth Southgate’s future, after the Three Lions boss attempted to bat questions away over whether he would stay on.
“Listen, as an Englishman, he [Southgate] has done a fantastic job, he’s got further than anyone else since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966,” said Allardyce.
“You’ve got to give a lot of credit for that and to the team themselves and the way things have gone forward.”
England players leaving the plane after landing back home following their final loss to Spain
He added: “But what I would say is that eight years is a long time as manager of England.
“It’s a huge amount of pressure and a huge amount of stress which we’ve seen in this tournament again.
“He [Southgate] will want to talk to his family, he will want to talk to the FA, and I think it will possibly be his choice if he leaves or not.”
Allardyce added he’d “hate” to see a foreign manager replace Southgate in charge of the national team.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold were two of the last to leave the plane
Harry Kane at Stansted Airport after England tasted defeat in a second successive Euro final. Pic: PA
Earlier, clapping could be heard as defender Kieran Trippier left the hotel in Berlin for the coach.
Phil Foden, carrying a cup of coffee, waved to fans as he made his brief public appearance.
The players looked calm-but-resigned as they exited their accommodation in Germany and later as they landed back in England.
They will now be wanting to mentally and physically “reset”, said Sky News’s Jacquie Beltrao, who was in Berlin as the team’s journey home got underway.
Many will be looking forward to a holiday and spending time with their families after immediately heading for training with England at the end of the league season.
England’s semi-final hero Ollie Watkins arrives at Stansted Airport. Pic: PA
After going behind, Southgate’s men levelled against Spain with an exquisite shot from substitute Cole Palmer.
But Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal broke England hearts with a winning goal in the 86th minute.
Richard Caborn, former minister of sport, said the “nation can be very proud of the team, and definitely proud of the manager as well – the way he’s conducted himself”.
He also backed Southgate to remain as manager “if he wants to”.
He told Sky News the tournament had been an “inspiration for tens of thousands of youngsters back here in England”.
Gareth Southgate leaving the team’s hotel in Germany. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA
Ollie Watkins. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA
Mr Caborn added: “What you’re seeing going on to that coach are some real role models – young people [who] through adversity have been able to develop themselves and put on that Three Lions shirt.”
He said there is a “lot of hope” which needs to be nurtured by extra investment in grassroots football.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised Southgate’s “extraordinary” contribution to football in England.
She told Times Radio that it was “a decision for him and for the footballing world” over whether he should stay or leave his job.
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England team leave hotel in Germany after final defeat.
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Is it time for Southgate to leave the dugout?
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Prince William, who was in the stadium on Sunday night, said: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be.”
The president of the Football Association added on social media: “We’re all still so proud of you.”
The King also sent a message last night, saying: “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.”