Dejected after a disappointing World Cup performance, the England football squad arrived at Heathrow after an overnight flight from South Africa.

   The event was low-key and  muted  – in sharp contrast to the highly-publicised departure just a few weeks earlier.

   There were no fans – just staff and a handful of airport media to welcome the dawn Virgin Atlantic flight which touched down at around 0620 in front of the airport’s Royal Suite.

   One of the first off was David Beckham, unable to play because of inury, followed by Wayne Rooney, Dave Gerrard and the other players.

   Manager Fabio Capello was amongst the last off the aircraft and many wives, girlfriends, children, FA staff and others had joined the players for the journey home.