England seal Under-21 Euros title defence in thriller against Germany

England overcame old rivals Germany in a thrilling final in the Under-21 European Championship, with the Young Lions clinching their title defence through an extra-time winner by substitute Jonathan Rowe.

England had let slip a two-goal lead late in the first half but some inspired substitutions by manager Lee Carsley made the difference as they ultimately won 3-2 in Bratislava.

It brings England’s total haul in the competition to four titles, but they were pushed all the way by a German side who came into the final as favourites and had beaten the Young Lions in the group stage.

England took the lead in the fifth minute when Omari Hutchinson had his effort saved by the keeper and a defensive clearance fell to Harvey Elliott, who had time and space to pick his spot and steer a low shot inside the near post.

The Liverpool man began the move for England’s second goal with a chipped pass into the path of James McAtee, and when the midfielder found his route blocked by two defenders he laid off the ball to Hutchinson, who drilled his strike through the keeper’s legs.

Hutchinson somersaulted away in celebration after his 24th-minute goal but Germany pulled one back in added time before the break. Paul Nebel crossed from the wing and Nelson Weiper rose unchallenged to power a bullet header past England keeper James Beadle.

The equaliser came in the 61st minute from a corner kick which went all the way to Nebel, out wide in the area, who pulled inside and drove the ball into the far top corner.

Both sides created further chances but neither could find the moment of quality needed in normal time. England went back in front within two minutes of extra time, when substitute Tyler Morton floated a perfect ball into the box and the unmarked Jonathan Rowe, who also came off the bench, headed home.

Rowe had only been on the pitch for two minutes, having replaced Elliott – who was later awarded the Player of the Tournament award, finishing with five goals and a huge contribution to England’s success – at the end of normal time.

Germany continued to press as the minutes ticked by, but this time there was no way back as England held firm despite the relentless pressure.

Substitute Merlin Rohl clattered the woodwork late in extra time with a dipping volley that almost sent it to penalties, while James Beadle was forced into a late, last-minute save, but it was to be heartbreak for Germany and joy for England once again.

Additional reporting by Reuters

Girl, 7, dies and four other children injured after tree falls in park

A seven-year-old girl has died and four other children have been injured after a tree fell in a park in Essex.

Emergency services were called to reports that a tree had partially collapsed in Chalkwell Park in Southend, at around 3pm on Saturday, police said.

Officers found a number of children caught beneath the tree suffering injuries. Five children were taken to hospital, including two in a serious condition.

Essex Police said on Saturday evening one of the children, a 7-year-old girl, had died of her injuries. A second girl, aged six, remains in a critical condition. Three other children are being treated for minor injuries.

“The park was busy with members of the public and many immediately went to their aid”, the force said in a statement. “Officers, paramedics and firefighters were soon on the scene and provided care. Two children, girls aged seven and six, suffered serious injuries and were taken on to hospital.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: “Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening and all of our thoughts are with them at this time.

“I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today’s events have been, and continue to be, for them. It’s also not lost on me how traumatic it must have been for the members of the public who witnessed this awful incident”, the statement continued.

“Across a matter of moments, many of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought. They showed the best of Southend today and I’m sorry this update does not bring them more positive news.

“My officers, and our partners with the ambulance and fire service, did all they could to help the two injured children,” the police chief said. “Today’s loss is one they will all take personally.

“We will ensure support is in place for all of our emergency service responders who provided aid at the scene.”

Specialist police officers are supporting the seven-year-old’s family.

Police are continuing enquiries at the park as they investigate the circumstances around the incident. While the majority of the park remains open, the force asked the public to avoid clearly cordoned off areas.

Footage showed an increased police presence around the perimeter of the park and an air ambulance on the grounds.

One witness, Adam Hutchins, 47, told EssexLive: “I heard there were kids playing on the tree. They heard a big crack. It must have pretty loud. They went running over and there were kids underneath the tree.

“All the cricket guys ran over and tried to loft the tree up. I think it’s one of the oldest trees. It had metal stands propping it up.”

Southend West and Leigh MP David Burton-Sampson added: “The news of the sad death of one of the children involved in the incident at Chalkwell Park today is truly devastating.

“I am sure I reflect the thoughts of all our residents here in Southend in sending my deepest condolences to the child’s family and friends.

“My thoughts are also with the other children injured and I wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“At the time of the incident the park was very busy and a number of people witnessed what happened.

“I understand that this must have been deeply traumatising and I encourage residents to use the support available to help them.”

Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council Daniel Cowan said: “I’m aware of this very serious incident. We’re working with Essex police, the Ambulance Service and Fire Service, who are still at the scene.

“I do understand that a tree has fallen, there’s a number of casualties and we’re just asking the public to avoid the area whilst those services carry out their work, and my thoughts are with those affected.”

Chalkwell Park is a recreational ground that covers 27 hectares and contains a number of flower gardens, two children’s playgrounds, a skate park, and football, cricket, basketball and tennis grounds.

Norris makes statement with scintillating pole position for Austria GP

A dominant Lando Norris delivered the perfect response to his Montreal horror show by securing an emphatic pole position for Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Norris’ world championship bid was dealt a major setback a fortnight ago when he ran into the back of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

But the British driver has been in excellent form at the Red Bull Ring, topping all of the practice sessions he has competed in, before landing the 12th pole of his career.

Norris’ margin over second-placed Charles Leclerc was a huge 0.521 seconds – the biggest of the year so far at the shortest track on the calendar.

Piastri, who leads Norris by 22 points in the title standings, could manage only third, 0.583 secs behind his team-mate with Lewis Hamilton fourth. Piastri was unable to complete his final lap in Q3 after Alpine’s Pierre Gasly spun ahead of him.

After landing his first win of the season last time out in Canada, George Russell ended up in fifth, but Max Verstappen could manage only seventh after he complained that his Red Bull was “undriveable”.

Norris admitted he made a fool of himself when he collided with Piastri in Montreal, and was warned of “tough conversations” by McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.

However, the 25-year-old Bristolian has been in a class of one so far here, and he will start the 11th round of this 24-race season as the favourite to claim a win which could serve as a springboard to get his title charge back on track a week out from his home event at Silverstone.

Norris’ first lap in Q3 placed him two tenths faster than anyone else, and he then pulled out more than half-a-second with his next lap.

“It was a good lap, that’s for sure,” said Norris.

“I feel like my first lap in Q3 was good but I knew I could get more time and I did exactly that. I did what I planned to do and when I do that and it goes right it is usually very good.

“Some of my tough moments have been in qualifying, so to have a performance like that is exciting. I am very happy with today but I want to prove it to myself over and over again and I hope this is just the beginning.”

Verstappen is 43 points off the championship pace and he faces the prospect of losing further ground following a disappointing qualifying session at a venue he has so often ruled.

Verstappen has won five times in the Styrian mountains, and taken the last four pole positions here, but he has looked out of sorts in his unruly Red Bull machine.

“The car is completely undriveable,” he said over the radio after finishing nearly a second behind Norris. “It is even worse than before. I don’t even know what to say.”

Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Yuki Tsunoda qualified only 18th.

Ollie Bearman out-qualified Haas team-mate Esteban Ocon for the fourth time of his rookie campaign, progressing to Q2 and finishing 15th.

One of the grid’s other rookies, Gabriel Bortoleto, impressed to haul his Sauber into Q3 for the first occasion in his career. He will start eighth on Sunday.

Mother calls for rethink of changes to cervical cancer screenings

A woman whose grandmother and mother both had cervical cancer has called for the reversal of recent changes lengthening the interval between screenings.

Gemma Barley, 34, had to undergo a biopsy in January 2022 after her regular three-year check-up found abnormal cells in her cervix, despite her previous screening being completely clear.

She fears that if she had been subject to new NHS England rules – which have lengthened the time between check-ups to five years – the outcome could have been worse.

“After a regular smear check-up in 2022 I got a letter to say we’ve found something abnormal in your smear and told I needed a biopsy,” the mother-of-one said.

“It was like my full life had flashed before my eyes. I thought my son was going to be left without a mum. It was horrifying.”

Cervical cancer has affected Ms Barley’s family for generations. She lost her grandmother to the disease aged 54, just three months after being diagnosed in 2004.

Her mother was also diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and had to undergo a hysterectomy to mitigate the risks of the disease.

Ms Barley waited four weeks for her results, which said the cells were not cancerous.

But she said the experience proves how quickly things can change, and fears recent changes to screenings for cervical cancer could “put women’s lives at risk”.

Women aged 25 to 49 who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) will now be invited to cervical screening every five years instead of every three, under new NHS guidelines.

According to Cancer UK, nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Most of the time HPV is cleared from the body by itself, but some types can cause cancer if they stay in the body for a long time so require extra monitoring.

After seeing the planned changes, Ms Barley started a petition to have them reversed and said: “I was really angry when I saw the changes. Because of my first-hand experience, it petrified me.

“My first smear was fine, and I’d seen no significant changes in my life since then. But then my second smear found abnormalities. That’s how quickly that could change, and yet they’re happy to extend it by a further two years.”

The change, set to take effect next month in England, follows recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee.

According to analysis from King’s College London, extending the screening interval to five years for HPV-negative women is just as safe as the current three-year interval, with a similar rate of cancer detection.

An NHS England spokesperson said: “We recognise that changes to cervical screening can seem worrying but want to reassure everyone that this new approach is based on robust scientific evidence.

“The NHS cervical screening programme tests for HPV and uses a better and more accurate test than before. This means if you test negative for HPV, you don’t need to be screened as often as your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low. If you test positive for HPV, we’ll monitor you more closely with additional tests and follow-up appointments.

“This personalised approach ensures everyone receives the right level of screening based on their individual risk factors, providing better protection while reducing unnecessary procedures.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “These changes are based on robust scientific evidence and an expert recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee.

“The NHS cervical screening programme tests for HPV which is a more accurate test than the old cytology [smear] test, therefore intervals for those not at high risk can be safely extended from three to five years.

“If you test positive for HPV, you can be assured you will be monitored closely with additional tests and follow-up appointments.”

Europe heatwave latest: Extreme heat grips the continent

Europe is on high alert as the continent faces its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 42C.

Aemet, Spain’s national weather agency, issued a special warning, forecasting highs of up to 42C in the country’s southern regions in the coming days.

The forecaster said the heat would be both intense and prolonged, posing particular risks to vulnerable groups and those exposed to the sun for extended periods.

Madrid’s health ministry also urged people to take precautions, advising them to stay in the shade, drink plenty of fluids, and check on older people, pregnant women, and anyone with existing health conditions.

In neighbouring Portugal, around two-thirds of the country will be placed under high alert on Sunday due to extreme temperatures and the risk of wildfires. Lisbon could see highs of 42C.

Across the border in France, with temperatures in Marseille nearing 40C, local authorities have announced that public swimming pools will be free to help residents cool down.

In Italy, where cities such as Naples and Palermo are bracing for 39C heat, the regions of Sicily and Liguria have introduced bans on outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.

The 7 best outdoor adventures in Sydney and New South Wales

Whether you’re lacing up your hiking boots, throwing on a wetsuit to catch some waves, or hitting the wide-open roads of New South Wales (NSW) by campervan, this Australian state is home to some of the country’s most exciting outdoor adventures – all easily accessible thanks to Qantas’ extensive domestic network.

Flying into Sydney with Qantas is the ideal way to experience a slice of Australia before you’ve even landed. And with onboard wellbeing perks, plus the option to book more discounted domestic legs using Qantas Explorer, it really is the savvy traveller’s best way to explore Australia.

Here are seven next-level outdoor adventures in NSW, and the best way to get there.

Sydney might be a modern metropolis, but it’s also home to an extraordinary natural playground, the star attraction of which is Sydney Harbour National Park. This protected area weaves through the city’s coastline, offering walking trails, secluded beaches, and panoramic views that blend wild bushland with iconic urban landmarks. Away from the National Park, you can paddle a kayak at dawn beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, go on a cycle tour and sunset cruise around Manly and North Heads coastal cliffs, or follow the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for sweeping ocean views and refreshing swim spots.

Just a 90-minute trip from Sydney by road, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is an endless landscape of towering eucalyptus forests and striking sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see. There are few places quite as grand as this so close to a city. Don your hiking boots and traverse spectacular scenery to Wentworth Falls or take on the Grand Canyon Track – a 6km loop of dramatic cliffs, fern-fringed valleys and thundering waterfalls with lookouts to match. If you’re an early riser, watch the sunrise at Echo Point, where the Three Sisters rock formation is lit up by the glow of first light.

Wildlife lovers need to head north to Port Macquarie for some of the best marine encounters on the east coast. Humpback whales are almost guaranteed from May to November, and dolphins can be spotted all year round. For front-row views, jump on a whale-watching cruise, or pitch up with a picnic on a headland and watch the breaching giants from afar.

Swap the sandy beaches for subtropical rainforest in Coffs Harbour’s hinterland in Dorrigo National Park, where winding roads serpentine through flourishing banana plantations, dense palm-filled forest and endless rolling hills. The region’s cycling trails range from casual loops to more challenging rides with jaw-to-the-floor sea views.

Aussies love their surfing, and Byron Bay is the epitome of surf culture Down Under, with beaches to suit all skill levels; from the gentle swell at The Pass to barrel-laden breaks at Tallows. If you’ve got any stamina left, soak up the view from Cape Byron Lighthouse post-surf – the easternmost point of mainland Australia.

With over 8,000 islands to its name, Australia offers the ultimate in island adventures. Lord Howe is one of them, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed pristine island, where only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time. You’ll find rare birds, kaleidoscopic coral reefs, and Mount Gower, offering one of the best day hikes in the country, with epic coastline views and dizzying drops.

For those who need more than a beach stroll to get the heart pumping, grab a kayak and explore the Sapphire Coast from the water in Merimbula. Glide over crystal-clear waters, past secluded coves, pristine beaches, and the untouched beauty of surrounding national parks. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life as you paddle. Once back on shore, refuel with the region’s famous fresh oysters and enjoy a refreshing dip at Bar Beach.

Book your flight to Sydney today at qantas.com and start your Australian adventure.

‘Trying to claim PIP was awful – Labour still wants to make it harder’

Sarah has just found out that she will likely be able to keep her personal independence payment (PIP) after months of worry.

The 40-year-old mother of one works from home, which allows her to juggle life with being a new parent and her disabilities. Chronic fatigue syndrome in her joints means she regularly experiences brain fog and exhaustion, and needs help.

And it’s her PIP that makes this possible, helping her to afford a carer, stay in work, and spend time with her baby.

Claimed by 3.7 million people, the health-linked benefit at the heart of Labour’s proposed welfare reforms is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability.

The government’s concessions on plans to cut welfare spending now mean that Sarah won’t be subject to stricter eligibility criteria when next assessed for the benefit.

Instead, from November 2026, only new claimants look set to be subject to the tighter criteria, under Labour’s bill currently going through parliament.

But Sarah says she is struggling to see this as a victory.

“If there’s another Sarah who’s born a few years later, and ended up in this situation, it’s still just as appalling,” she says.

“It’s encouraging some disabled people to throw other disabled people under the bus. And it’s vicious, because it relies on some people being scared enough to say ‘well, we’ll take what we can get’.”

And like so many others, Sarah did not find applying for PIP an easy process to begin with.

“It feels like you’re being tripped up constantly,” Sarah says. “It feels really deliberate, how difficult it is. It feels extremely deliberate. Because there are so many ways it can be made more accessible to disabled people.”

Halfway through her assessment for PIP, Sarah’s infant daughter started to cry in the other room. This caused her to panic, and she shouted to her husband that the baby might need changing.

Because of this, “the assessor said I was clearly able to respond to my daughter’s needs and assess what she needed”, Sarah says.

“But I said to him, I can’t care for my daughter on my own, I rely on other people doing that for me. I need somebody with me while I’m with her.”

None of this was included in his report, she claims.

And it’s not just Sarah.

Ginny’s husband Tim was diagnosed with myotonic muscular dystrophy in 2006, a progressive genetic condition that affects muscles and movement.

The mother of two works part time while also caring for her husband full time. His PIP award means Ginny is entitled to a £200 carer’s allowance, which she says is essential to support her family.

“Tim doesn’t like to admit it, but people frequently can’t understand what he says. Every day I’m asking him to repeat himself as his wife, and I know him well,” Ginny explains.

“He was asked to repeat himself at least five times during the assessment. But when it came to the report, it said the assessor had no problem understanding him.”

Ginny says the assessor also wrote down that Tim was managing to work part time for 25 hours a week as a library assistant. He was actually working just 25 hours a month, just over six hours a week, Ginny says.

At a PIP assessment, the assessor will decide if an applicant has limited ability to carry out daily living activities. They do this by asking applicants to carry out a range of activities, awarding them points based on how limited their ability is.

According to one former assessor, opening questions might include: “How are you doing today? How did you get here? Do you have a dog?”

An applicant could be forgiven for thinking these questions are just small talk, their PIP assessor being friendly and trying to ease them into the process.

But in most cases, the assessment has already begun, the former worker says. How they answer these questions could be the difference between a lifeline to pay for their health-related costs or nothing.

The former assessor, who wished to remain anonymous, said this approach is standard for PIP assessors. It is permitted under the DWP’s PIP assessment guide, which recommends assessors carry out “informal observations” that may “show discrepancies”.

“As soon as you say to them, ‘I’m here to do the assessment, is that OK?’ and they say yes, it’s started,” she explains.

“And then you’ll comment, you’ll look around the room for photographs of them on holiday, of children. You’re looking for evidence that they’re not telling the truth.”

According to polling by disability charity Sense, over half (51 per cent) of disabled people with complex needs report feeling humiliated during benefits assessment. A further 45 per cent said the process made their symptoms worse.

The charity’s policy adviser, Evan John, said: “I think sometimes when you hear some of the discussion around PIP, somebody might think that it was an easy benefit to claim, but that experience is really divorced from the experiences of disabled people.”

“We’d like to see a system that treats disabled people with dignity, that assesses people fairly, but doesn’t make them feel like criminals for trying to access the support they need.”

Neither Sarah nor Tim was awarded any points at their PIP assessment. Instead, they asked for a mandatory consideration, but were turned down and faced a lengthy wait for an appeal at a tribunal.

“We went to mandatory consideration fully aware that they would just turn that down because that seems to be the standard with them,” Ginny says. “But that was just a step to go to appeal.”

Sarah was only given the lowest rate of PIP after the tribunal, while Tim was awarded his in light of more medical evidence.

Around 56 per cent of PIP assessments resulted in a reward between 2019 and 2024. However, around two-thirds of decisions are overturned at the tribunal stage, independent of the DWP, by a panel of decision-makers, including a judge.

“You have to fight tooth and nail,” Ginny says. “All the government’s talk about ‘people just are getting this too easily’ or ‘supporting people who have the most severe conditions’.

“In my book, my husband has a severe condition and it just feels like they’re redefining disability to suit themselves.”

It remains to be seen whether the government’s concessions over its welfare plans will be enough to appease wavering backbenchers, with MPs set to vote on the measures on Tuesday.

A DWP spokesperson said: “The fact is that PIP assessment suppliers and healthcare professionals are involved in the process but are only one part of the evidence used – they have no role in the decision-making process, and are clearly instructed not to base their opinions solely on the situation seen at assessment.

“We’re creating a sustainable welfare system that genuinely supports sick and disabled people while always protecting those who need it most, and at the heart of this is our review of the PIP assessment to ensure it is fit for the future.

“We will work with disabled people and a range of experts on this as we deliver our Plan for Change.”

Business Secretary meeting Lotus after reports of plans to scrap UK carmaking

The Business Secretary will hold talks with Lotus after the carmaker appeared to shelve plans to shut its UK operations.

After reports that Chinese owner Geely was planning to stop manufacturing at the Hethel plant in Norfolk, putting 1,300 jobs at risk, Lotus issued a statement saying it had “no plans” to close the factory.

Jonathan Reynolds will speak to the company on Sunday, the PA news agency understands.

The British sportscar brand has been majority-owned by Chinese multinational Geely since 2017.

The Financial Times had reported it was considering shutting up shop in the UK and in favour of a new plant in the US.

On Saturday, Lotus sought to assuage concerns with a statement that it remains “committed” to the UK, which it called its largest commercial market in Europe and the “heart” of the brand.

“Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory,” it said.

“We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.

“We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK, over the past six years. Lotus remains committed to the UK, and its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, as well as its proud British heritage.”

A Government spokesperson said: “The Government does not comment on speculation or the commercial affairs of private companies.”