Papers change tune after England defeat

After Monday morning's optimism about England's chances at Euro 2000, the front and back pages reflect the disappointment of their defeat by Portugal.

The Sun sums up England's performance with the headline: "Agony".

The back page of the paper features a photograph of David Beckham making a one-fingered salute at the end of the match to taunting fans.

The Mirror devotes its front page to the match, saying Kevin Keegan's team were outplayed, outclassed and out-thought - and could now be out of the tournament.

But the Star strikes an optimistic note, saying England cannot possibly lose their next match against Germany, who could only draw 1-1 with Romania.

Euro divisions

Many of the political writers detect signs of what The Independent believes is an increasingly visible split within the cabinet over the single European currency.

The Sun says three senior ministers - Stephen Byers, Robin Cook and Peter Mandelson - are to defy orders from the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, not to talk up the euro.

The Guardian reports that the leader of the GMB Union, John Edmonds, is calling on the party leadership to pledge that the next Labour Government will take action to ease Britain's path towards the euro.

And Mr Blair gives an indication of his views on the subject in the Financial Times.

In a joint article with the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose-Maria Aznar, the two leaders call for further economic reform to build on what they describe as the "success" of the single currency's launch.

Open season for hunting

The Times is in no doubt that hunting with hounds in England and Wales appears doomed but believes the government has put itself on course for a bitter conflict with rural campaigners.

The Independent and the Guardian predict stern opposition in the House of Lords and suggest a ban could be delayed until 2002.

The FT reports that hunt supporters are planning what they call a summer of discontent over the issue.

The Express, meanwhile, criticises the timing of the plans - arguing that valuable parliamentary time could be put to better use addressing vital issues, such as the NHS and education.

The same theme is taken up by the Daily Mail, which calls the bill a cynical ploy that is more likely to lose votes than win them.

Attractions dogged by bug

As engineers begin the task of trying to find out why the new Millennium Bridge over the River Thames sways, the Guardian is convinced that the Millennium Bug has struck again.

After the problems facing the Millennium Dome and the delayed opening of the London Eye big wheel, the paper describes the closure as a severe embarrassment.

The Sun is bemused by the series of problems which have hit the millennium attractions, saying: "You couldn't make it up."

Rail users must be hoping the bug is not catching as the Daily Telegraph announces the jubilee line extension has won the Millennium Building of the Year award.

Chatter basket

The weekly visit to your local supermarket could be about to change.

After years of struggling to steer trolleys, the Mail tells how shoppers may soon be using ones that talk following the debut of the world's first speaking trolley in Germany.

At the drinks counter it produces the sound of a beer being poured before playing an advert for a brewery.

But the paper says there is good news - the trolley can be silenced if the customer puts a hand over a sensor.