From the editors: England suffer more penalty heartache in Euro 2020 finals Our editors comment on global and local events and news Published: July 12, 2021 11:47 Gulf News 1 of 4 England suffer more penalty heartache: England’s long wait for a trophy continues after they were beaten on penalties by Italy in the final of Euro 2020 last night. It was a disappointing end to the tournament after they had progressed really well by seeing off some big teams along the way including Germany in the last 16. That was a huge confidence booster and the belief was high in the country that they could end their 55 year wait to win a major trophy. They outplayed Italy in the first half of the final but the Azzurri grabbed a deserved equalizer in the second 45 which sent the match into extra time. Penalties were then needed to find a winner and Italy held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2 and break English hearts. But England should not be too despondent and should be proud of their achievement. They will be amongst the favourites to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and must now build up to that - Imran Malik, Assistant Editor Image Credit: Reuters 2 of 4 Dubai takes steps to streamline delivery services: As the COVID-19 pandemic unravelled our lives over the past year, one aspect has now become an inescapable part of our new normal — the delivery boy. Dubai has taken several steps to ensure the safety of this section of our population. In this regard, the publishing of a manual for the delivery services companies in the emirate sets up a uniform, standardised guidelines for all to follow. This step will help improve the quality of services by these companies as well as the lives of the delivery boys. Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News 3 of 4 Protecting celebrity kids: Anushka Sharma’s social media posts celebrating her daughter Vamika turning six months old are super sweet and wholesome, despite not exposing the young one’s face to the public. Even though fans love to see pictures of their favourite star’s children, and lots of celebrities don’t mind sharing them, it’s very reasonable for famous parents to worry for their offspring’s privacy. Gigi Hadid recently implored paparazzi to blur out her baby girl’s face from photographs they might take. Kareena Kapoor Khan has also kept her baby boy’s face out of pictures. Kids deserve a chance to make their own choices about their likeness being on social media and seen by millions. - Jennifer Barretto Assistant Editor - Features Image Credit: instagram.com/anushkasharma 4 of 4 Delta variant continues to play havoc: Countries across Asia are toughening social-distancing rules as the fast-spreading delta variant of COVID-19 continues to play havoc. Tokyo entered its fourth state of emergency and Sydney had a 45% spike in daily cases. The US had the most cases since mid-May as delta hit less-vaccinated parts of the nation. French President Emmanuel Macron will also address the nation today amid a surge in infections. Amid the growing threat of the delta variant, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to warn Britons to stay vigilant as he prepares to lift virtually all remaining virus curbs in England from July 19. Johnson’s warning comes after crowds threw caution to the wind at Wembley Stadium. Imperial College has found a quadrupling of COVID-19 in England in the last month at least in part driven by Euro 2020. Let’s wait and watch. - Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor Image Credit: AP