Jude Bellingham poses for a picture with fans before the England team flew home last night after their World Cup heartache.
Devastated Harry Kane slipped away from their hotel after missing a penalty for the Three Lions who did the nation proud in the defeat by France.
The captain, 29, blasted his second spot kick over the bar in the 2-1 quarter-final loss, breaking millions of hearts.
He said: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.
“There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport.”
He is understood to have left to meet his wife Katie in Doha.
The team bus pulled away from the Souq Al Wakra hotel without him at 12.30pm local time heading for Doha airport.
Gareth Southgate’s men were due to land in a private jet at Birmingham Airport.
Earlier he was seen with his arm around Kieran Trippier as Phil Foden also checked out.
Kyle Walker ’s wife Annie Kilner was in tears after the match but Bellingham shook off his pain when meeting fans.
He signed a ball and shirts for England fan Cat Toffrey, 39, and her children Zac, seven, and four-year-old Leo.
Cat, from Sheffield, South Yorks, but now living in Doha with pilot husband Nick, 40, said: “We told Jude we were proud of him. He thanked us for our support.
“Obviously, we are heartbroken but I thought they played really well and we wish them good luck for 2026.”
Bellingham, 19, was kissed by his mum Denise, 54, at the stadium as dad Mark, 46, also gave his support. The team did not leave the hotel together, with some meeting their families.
It is understood others will join their clubs on training camps abroad before returning home.
The England manager boarded a second bus with FA backroom staff.
Jack Grealish, who waved to fans and news crews, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Luke Shaw left before the team bus in individual vehicles.
Southgate, 52, is now “taking time” to consider his future.
He refused to commit to staying as boss despite wide support ahead of a Euros qualifier against Italy in March.
Southgate, who led England to the final of last year’s Euros, is under contract until 2024.
He said: “Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make the correct decision because emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous.”
He admitted Kane, England’s joint top scorer on 53 goals after netting his first penalty on Saturday, was “very, very low” after the match.
But added: “He has nothing to reproach himself for.
“He has been a fantastic leader. It is cruel for him, he will feel disappointed but shouldn’t.
“I am very proud of how the team has been not only tonight but throughout the tournament. I could not ask for more from the players but we came up short.
“We came here thinking we could win the tournament.”
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice said he wants Southgate to remain as England boss.
He added: “I really hope he stays. I love playing under him.”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire hailed the boss as “amazing” .
He said: “I’m sure if you asked every player in the team they wouldn’t be able to speak highly enough of him.”
Former England goalie Peter Shilton said: “Southgate must stay on as England manager. We have the basis of a team that will eventually win a big trophy.”
Fans also pleaded for Southgate to stay on.
Headteacher Paul Sherlock, 49, of Bagthorpe, near Nottingham, said: “I hope he does - he’s done a good job.”
Tony Conniford, who is retiring as FA security manager, told Sky: “I loved every single moment and just wish it could have ended in a slightly better way.”
