As England's stars eagerly awaited the start of their Euro 2024 adventure, the last thing they would've hoped to see was their clothes scattered on the tarmac of Birmingham Airport. But that was, unfortunately, the case on Monday afternoon as cameras spotted an embarrassing gaffe before the Three Lions took to the sky.

Baggage carriers were captured scrambling to collect the AWOL clothing that had spread next to the plane carrying Gareth Southgate and his squad.

One shocking image appeared to show one member of staff stepping on a white piece of clothing that was among the luggage spread over the runway.

The England squad enjoyed an enthusiastic send-off from fans in Birmingham as they made their way to Germany for this summer's tournament.

Earlier in the day, players trained at St George's Park in Burton-on-Trent and met with Prince William, who would've undoubtedly shared some words of wisdom.

But after boarding their flight to Erfurt-Weimar Airport, calamity struck as a result of numerous bags insecurely fastened to trolleys used to transport them from the airport to the plane's hold.

Images shared by the Mail show open bags and a variation of black and white clothing strewn beneath the plane while members of airport staff hurried to clear them up.

One photo displayed the precarious set-up of one of the trolleys carrying untidy bags and crushed cardboard boxes filled with items required by players and staff overseas.

England's stars - who carried electronic devices and skincare products onto the plane - will have expected a more relaxing journey.

Three Lions captain Harry Kane led the squad, who donned all-black outfits - t-shirts with an England badge and Nike swoosh down the middle paired with tracksuit shorts or trousers.

Southgate - wearing a more traditionally-coloured England tracksuit - looked to be in high spirits and joined the players posing for photos with supporters on his way onto the plane.

Fans were also present at St George's Park before the England squad boarded the coach that took them to Birmingham Airport. They were rewarded with autographs and pleasant chats with their heroes.

England landed in Erfurt, just under 20 miles from their base in Blankenheim, where they will set up a luxury camp at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort.

The base reportedly cost around £850,000 and includes three golf courses, a padel court and a German-speaking robot named Robbie, who will serve players.

England kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

They then round off Group C against Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20 and Slovenia in Cologne on June 25.