DEVOTED England fans endured chill winds and constant drizzle in a fruitless wait for a glimpse of their heroes outside Southampton's De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

Despite a tight security cordon around the building, up to a hundred of the national team's most dedicated admirers dug in for a long wait, convinced the players would relent.

But there was to be no repeat of the ecstatic scenes of Monday night when the players ventured out of their luxury base to sign autographs.

Passing cars sounded their horns to cheer up the soggy band as the superstars relaxed unaware behind the double glazing of their swanky hotel suites.

The wait, which for some was more than four hours, was only broken when manager Sven Goran Eriksson left the hotel in a silver van.

The good-natured crowd was told the team was watching the England Under 21s game before heading for bed and would not be down to see them.

Many stayed on anyway, scanning the hotel windows in a bid to see the stars.

David Beckham - the clear favourite of the youngsters assembled - came in for special praise after the rest of the team shot off the bus out of sight of the crowd when they returned from training.

But captain Beckham deliberately got out of a different exit, allowing fans a long look at their idol.

Quays swimming pool lifeguard Robin Molineaux, 17, said: " The bus pulled up and everyone started screaming and shouting and chanting their names. But they all got out of the front so people couldn't see them. But Beckham came out the side so people could have a look at him. It was kind and it was good to see him."

Auxiliary nurse Joanne West, from Village Close, Stubbington, brought her youngster Rhys, 5, to see the team, but the pair left disappointed despite spotting Sol Campbell clambering off the team bus.

"Rhys has been very excited," said Joanne. "It has been very cold but didn't mind until they got off and did nothing."

Rhys said: I think they should have stopped to sign my shirt."

Lorry driver Roger Twine, who brought his eight-year-old daughter Elizabeth along, also thought the team could have done more for their young fans after a grim two-hour vigil on the kerb.

"I am disappointed that no England players have come through the doors. The fans who couldn't get to the game have made the effort and it doesn't take much for the players. It would be nice if they put their head out and gave us a wave. It would repay the support."

But some fans didn't care - they were going to wait for as long as it took.

Mad keen Beckham fan, 24-year-old hairdresser Emma Dyer said: "I got off work early to come down here and I'll stay down here until God knows when. Until he comes out.

"He's a god, I'd do anything for him," she added.

A spokesman for the hotel said: "We have had a fantastic time, the team have had a fantastic time and it's all gone without a hitch."