Team members and coaches were clapped out by watching fans and hotel staff as they made their way to the bus before heading to the airport in Germany and then they later landed at Stansted at about 2pm.
By Andy Hayes, news reporter
England’s footballers have arrived home after a heart-breaking defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
A jet carrying the team landed at Stansted just before 2pm and England manager Gareth Southgate led the team and coaching staff out as he exited the plane shortly after.
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 after successive defeats in Euros finals.
A large group of well-wishers watched from behind railings 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.”
Clapping could be heard as defender Kieran Trippier left the hotel 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 both 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 they got under way.
Many will be looking forward to a holiday and spending time with their families after heading for training with England at the end of the football season.
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 Gareth 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”.
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 grass roots football.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised Southgate’s “extraordinary” contribution to football in England.
She told Times Radio that was “a decision for him and for the footballing world” over whether he should stay or leave his job.
Read more:
Is it time for Southgate to leave the dugout?
Eyewitness: Inside Berlin’s fan zones
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.”