England's Narrow Escape Against DR Congo
In last night's match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it was a case of "Kane to the rescue," according to the Metro. The paper commented,
"Oh D.R. me that was close!"
The Daily Star referred to England captain Harry Kane as "Harry Houdini" for orchestrating "England's great escape," while also making a pun on team manager Thomas Tuchel with the phrase "it's Tuch & go."
The Mirror echoed this sentiment with the headline "that was Tuch and go, Harry," describing the match as the "Lions labour against Leopards."
The Sun expressed relief with "Cong phew!" after "Hero Harry" came "to the rescue," featuring images of Kane celebrating both his first and second goals prominently on its front page.
The Daily Mail praised "King Harry" for his World Cup goals and highlighted "fresh fury at prostate betrayal" in a separate story. It reported that the decision to reject a major prostate cancer screening programme was made by a committee lacking any prostate cancer experts.
Defence Investment Plan and Funding Challenges
Following the announcement of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) earlier this week, the Daily Telegraph reported that the funding "black hole" has tripled to £15 billion. Additionally, a secret dossier compiled by a former MI6 agent revealed that former British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was a "privileged contact" of Russian spies.
The Times continued coverage of the DIP fallout, stating that Andy Burnham's "first job will be to find £7 billion of cuts." The paper also reported that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and his partner have amassed a £4 million property portfolio since Brexit.
Political Developments and Cabinet Prospects
The i Paper covered former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's efforts to return to the Cabinet by pitching for a housing role with Burnham. Sources close to Rayner told the paper that "no job offer has yet been made." The i also reported that Farage fears he may face a by-election over a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire.
Financial and International News
The Financial Times led with investment management firm BlueCrest questioning the UK as a business destination following a £200 million tax defeat. The paper also highlighted US President Donald Trump's ethics filings revealing a financial bonanza. In the Middle East, the FT reported that people in Gaza are rebuilding homes from the ruins of previous destruction.
Other Headlines and Stories
The Daily Express led with the story of a woman who survived rapes by the Rochdale grooming gang, as the ringleader Shabir Ahmed is due to be released from prison. The headline read,
"I fear for my safety after gang boss is freed".
reported that the US trade deal on medicines will cost the NHS £45 billion by 2036. The government dismissed this figure, stating that future funding will be determined at the next spending review. The paper also covered accusations against Trump involving £1 billion in "crypto corruption" profits.
Additional Coverage on England's Match and Defence Spending
Images of Harry Kane celebrating his goals against DR Congo were featured across multiple front pages. The Sun referred to him as "hero Harry," noting England faced an "almighty scare" until his 75th-minute equaliser. The Daily Star nicknamed Kane "Harry Houdini," crediting him with a "great escape act" that kept England in the World Cup.
Both the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express described the match as an "agonising spectacle" that nonetheless allowed the 30,000 travelling England fans to "dream again."
There are differing reports on the amount Andy Burnham would need to find for defence spending if he becomes prime minister. The Daily Telegraph cites a £15 billion black hole, while The Times suggests he will have to make £7 billion in cuts to schools, hospitals, roads, or energy projects.
The Financial Times reported that the Treasury will inform Burnham "within days" that the Iran war has caused less damage to public finances than initially feared.
According to The i, Angela Rayner is seeking a ministerial role in Burnham's cabinet. Sources close to her maintain no job offer has been made but indicate she would welcome a return to her previous role as housing secretary.
The Daily Mail highlighted that the committee which decided against rolling out a major prostate cancer screening programme in May contained no prostate cancer experts or black members, despite black men being at higher risk. The Department for Health and Social Care stated that such recommendations are kept under review and that it is committed to improving outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
reiterated that Britain's trade deal with the US on medicines will cost the NHS nearly £45 billion by 2036. The government has dismissed this figure, stating future funding will be settled at the next spending review.
Cartoon and Cultural References
The Daily Telegraph featured a Matt cartoon inspired by the defence investment plan and the upcoming exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry in the UK. The cartoon depicts a section of the tapestry embroidered with the words "Harold promises more defence spending by 1076."
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