The Papers: 'World Cup dream over' and 'Mahmood for chancellor'

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'World Cup dream over' and 'Mahmood for chancellor'Published13 minutes agoImage caption, It is heartbreaking reading for England fans this morning as the loss to Argentina is covered across all the papers. "England's World Cup dream over" says the Daily Telegraph, after "Argentina scores two goals in seven minutes to shatter hopes of place in final". It adds: " Kane's men snatch defeat from jaws of victory after taking lead in second half.

"Image caption, "Wonderbawl", the Sun says in a nod to the Oasis dirge, featuring a compilation of devastated England players burying their heads in their hands. "It's 60 years of hurt as brave lions sunk by late Argie goals," the paper writes, as the England side fails to replicate their success at the 1966 World Cup at Wembley Stadium against West Germany. Image caption, "Kaned by Messi" is the Daily Star's recap of the semi-finals, embedding the captains Lionel Messi and Harry Kane in an awkward embrace on pitch.

The Details

"We're still proud of our Lions", insists the paper. Image caption, "Just out of reach" reads the headline on the front page of the Metro, showing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford leaping, but failing, to "stop Enzo Fernandez's equaliser". Image caption, "Shattered" is the Daily Mirror's verdict, showing a crouched, devastated Jude Bellingham.

Image caption, "Night our dream finally died" is the Daily Mail's take. "Agony across the country as Harry Kane's Lions dumped out by... you know who," it says.

Image caption, "Agony as our wait goes on" reads the headline on the Daily Express, an anguished Harry Kane lying on the pitch visually capturing the mood. Image caption, "Over and out" the Guardian prints above despondent England fans watching the semi-final in public. Separately, the paper leads with a story about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage telling the party "he would need 'a million a year' to cover lost earnings if he stood for parliament in the 2024 general election", citing anonymous sources.

What Experts Say

It is said to have occurred "shortly before the undeclared gift was made by Christopher Harborne" in April 2024, referring to the £5m given to Farage by the tech billionaire. Both Farage and Harborne say there were no strings attached to the personal gift. Image caption, "Burnham poised to choose Mahmood as his chancellor" is the Financial Times' lead story, writing that Andy Burnham, who is expected to replace departing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, is eyeing the current Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, for the top Treasury role.

It cites "three people briefed on Andy Burnham's thinking", although the Labour MP's spokesperson officially declines to comment on "speculation". Focusing on the City's reaction, the paper says: "Markets responded positively to the prospect of a chancellor coming from the right of the Labour Party.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.