Gareth Southgate waved to fans as England staff members and players started their journey home following their 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on Sunday night.
The Three Lions were second best throughout the showdown in Berlin, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal consigning them to defeat.
Southgate's future as England manager is shrouded in uncertainty having said. prior to the tournament he said he'd leave if he didn't steer his side to glory.
He put on a brave face as he boarded the team bus, waving to fans in attendance who clapped them, while Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher and Harry Kane were among the first out of the door of their hotel.
Gareth Southgate waved to fans as England staff members and players started their journey home following their 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on Sunday night.
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England players looked glum, with the country's wait for a first major trophy since 1966 still ongoing.
They weren't good enough both on the night, with Spain managing more shots, dominating possession and outplaying Southgate's side.
England have now lost two finals under the 53-year-old, having previously suffered an agonising defeat against Italy at Euro 2020.
When asked about his future, Southgate refused to disclose any thoughts. He said: "I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that.
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"I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now."
England had produced their best football in their 2-1 win over the Netherlands last Wednesday.
But they were unable to replicate the same game plan against Spain, who managed to win all seven of their matches on their way to glory.
Southgate confessed La Roja deserved their victory and bemoaned England's inability to get control of the match. He added: "I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough.
"We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short.
"We had a little bit of momentum in the game at that point [when Cole Palmer equalised].
"There’s a big chance at the end to equalise too but across the 90 minutes, I’m not sure we did enough.
"Spain press well and you have to keep the ball when you win it back. In the end, that’s the bit that takes more out of your legs.
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England players made their way on to the team bus as they started their journey home after their 2-1 defeat to Spain
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"I think the players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chances.
"They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end.
"I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game."
Should Southgate leave, England reportedly have several names under consideration to take over.
Gareth Southgate appreciated the support of the England fans as he boarded the team bus
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Eddie Howe has admirers within the FA, having done well during his time at Newcastle.
Mauricio Pochettino could be a foreign pick, with the Argentine out of work following his departure from Chelsea earlier this summer.
And Graham Potter is another candidate also on the market, having left Stamford Bridge himself in April 2023.
