England captain David Beckham flies the flag from the cockpit window of the plane taking the squad to Germany

The England contingent pose for photos on the steps of Airbus A320 which is flying from Luton to Karlsruhe

In-form striker Peter Crouch and defender Wayne Bridge are all smiles as they prepare for the World Cup finals

Teenage prodigy Theo Walcott follows veteran of two World Cups Michael Owen up the steps of the plane

England fans cheer as the plane taking the squad to the World Cup finals prepares to leave Luton airport

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson arrives in Germany for his last tournament in charge of the national side