Well-wishers cheered on their England footballing heroes as they left their team hotel today.

A handful of England's squad were pictured leaving The Grove in Watford today in separate cars, including manager Gareth Southgate.

Supporters were allowed into the hotel car park to catch a glimpse of the footballers who came so close to winning England's first ever European Championships.

Dozens gathered at the hotel on Sunday afternoon to wave off the team bus, but despite the defeat, fans turned up this morning to show their support to the players, who understandably looked downbeat.

They cheered and clapped as players and staff left one-by-one.

Watford Observer: Gareth Southgate leaving The Grove hotel at around midday on Monday. Credit: PAGareth Southgate leaving The Grove hotel at around midday on Monday. Credit: PA

Manager Southgate waved to the public as he left in a Range Rover at around midday, with Henderson, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones, Jude Bellingham, Ben White, and Aaron Ramsdale among those also pictured leaving The Grove today.

Watford Observer: Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham waves to crowds at The Grove hotel. Credit: PABorussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham waves to crowds at The Grove hotel. Credit: PA

Football-mad Annie Galvin travelled over to The Grove with her husband from Rickmansworth to show her support for the Three Lions.

She told the Observer: "It's one of those moments you have to seize and be there for. The team showed so much passion and I think Southgate has done such a good job.

"There's been no drama and the lads have been exceptional with their way and the way they conducted themselves. They've all been absolutely fantastic."

Watford Observer: Annie Galvin at The GroveAnnie Galvin at The Grove

Carol Harris donned a red England shirt as she watched players leave the hotel.

She said: "I think Gareth has done us proud and they are building it to bring it home from Qatar next year. I'm so pleased that people made the effort to come and cheer them on."

Carol condemned the racist abuse that some members of England's squad have suffered following the penalty-shootout defeat.

She said: "I disgusted about what's happened on social media and the bigots and ignorant people out there. Why even bring their colour into it? These footballers put themselves out there to take on the responsibility. Have they (those abusing) ever taken a penalty under pressure like that?"

Watford Observer: England supporters at The Grove hotel. Credit: PAEngland supporters at The Grove hotel. Credit: PA

Young Arsenal fan Deeyan travelled from Radlett in the hope of seeing his favourite player Bukayo Saka.

Saka is not believed to have stayed at The Grove overnight, but Deevan was able say hello to Chelsea's Ben Chilwell who was among the last to leave the hotel.

Watford Observer: Deeyan holding a picture he had drawn of Wembley StadiumDeeyan holding a picture he had drawn of Wembley Stadium

Deeyan, who had brought a picture he had drawn of Wembley Stadium with him, said: "It was really exciting and I was so happy to reach the final. I love football."

England regularly stay at The Grove hotel when the team plays home matches at Wembley.

Yesterday, the team bus was escorted out of The Grove and through Watford via the A41 to Wembley for the final.

The squad's exit from the hotel today was much more low-key with players all leaving separately. More than half of the team did not stay at The Grove overnight, instead believed to have stayed closer to Wembley after the Italy defeat.