If the Prime Minister sounded downbeat, it is because so much of the data he says he is led by is pointing in the wrong direction.

       With masks back in vogue with ministers and working from home set to continue, Global Health Security Editor Paul Nuki has identified the key pieces of data that darkened the Downing Street mood.

       As Boris Johnson warned people must exercise "extreme caution" despite the scrapping of legal restrictions from July 19, Covid passports are to be introduced for the first time in England.

       He said nightclubs and other venues with "large crowds" would be urged to adopt Covid certification "as a matter of social responsibility".

       Deputy Political Editor Lucy Fisher says it marked a political climbdown. Read more guidance from official documents released last night.

       Madeline Grant had a familiar sense of foreboding as she watched "the goalposts being moved". And Sherelle Jacobs argues that Mr Johnson has "condemned us to Covid no-man's land".

       Meanwhile, Sage has warned that Covid deaths will likely rise to 200 a day and hospitalisations will "reach at least 1,000 per day" after the easing of restrictions on July 19.

       At the peak of the winter wave, more than 4,200 people were admitted to hospital every day and daily deaths surged past 1,200.

       A senior source said that, as the country continued to get vaccinated, Covid figures would begin to resemble those of the flu.

       PS: Let us know what you intend to do differently from July 19 - and what you will be thankful for. Your message could be included in Front Page next week. Email 60 words to yourstory@telegraph.co.uk, using "Front Page" in the subject. Include your name, age and where you are from.

       England star accuses Patel of 'stoking racism fire'

       An England footballer accused Priti Patel of "stoking the fire" of racism after three players were hit by a torrent of social media abuse following their Euro 2020 final loss. Tyrone Mings dismissed the Home Secretary's condemnation of "vile" racist messages aimed at the trio, as the Prime Minister told the culprits to "crawl back under the rock from which you emerged". An estate agent and a comedian who has appeared on the BBC were among those linked to posts. It came as Bukayo Saka’s friends said his Christian faith will help him to overcome the despair of missing the crucial penalty. Hunter Davies has chosen 11 ways heartbroken England fans can get over the loss. Allison Pearson says the team showed us life lived to the full. And Matt has a Euros laugh for today's cartoon.

       Starter for 10: What is a 'five' in the Hundred?

       Umpires will call "five" instead of "over" when cricket's new Hundred tournament begins next week. The playing regulations for the 100-ball competition have been finalised and will include the use of a white card for umpires to hold up after five balls are bowled. Ten balls will be bowled from each end and a captain is allowed to keep on a bowler for the full set. Nick Hoult explains more changes to cricketing rules.

       At a glance: Coronavirus morning briefing Liveblog | Easing of restrictions will be 'survival of the fittest' Campaign for Children | Pupils to be told of exam topics in advance France | Macron warns vaccination may become mandatory Dublin | Irish PM critical of Johnson's 'let it rip' approach Israel | Postcard from Covid-proofed future, from ex-pandemic tsar Also in the news: Today's other headlines

       Foreign aid | Boris Johnson will today set out a "double lock" on the aid budget to head off a rebellion from Tory MPs concerned that the Prime Minister will never restore spending to 0.7pc. The Office for Budget Responsibility will oversee the lock and will decide when aid spending can increase from the current 0.5pc of gross national income, effectively taking the politics out of the decision. Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope says MPs will be given a "take it or leave it" vote.

       Jamaica | Former colony demands ￡7.6bn slavery reparations Anti-Semitism | Church to apologise for medieval expulsion of Jews Cannes Film Festival | Actress has jewellery stolen during burglary Cummings | Ex-adviser accused of breaching rules on paid work Culture war | US insect society drops 'gypsy' from name of moth Around the world: Biden backs 'call for freedom'

       Joe Biden said the United States stood with the people of Cuba and accused its communist leaders of "enriching themselves" amid the biggest protests in decades. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets chanting "freedom" and calling for President Miguel Diaz-Canel to step down. View a gallery of more striking world pictures of the day.

       Comment and analysis Lucy Burton | Chaos looms as return to work meets self-isolation Reader letters | Our basic freedoms depend on how NHS is run Celia Walden | It is time we got deadly serious about flashers Robin Aitken | BBC has shown it still does not get it Suzanne Moore | We're in trouble if we can't use word 'woman' Editor's choice Mission to Mars | Who will be the ultimate winner of the new billionaire space race? Sandi Toksvig | 'Why losing weight could make your memory better in midlife' Institutions | 'Going to an elite boarding school aged seven cost me years in therapy' Business and money briefing

       US pressure | Brussels shelved plans for a sweeping new digital tax, after Apple announced that it shifted a record ￡720m of profits into Ireland from its British operations last year. Eurozone finance ministers agreed to postpone the crackdown in the face of a US campaign, which has claimed proposals are unnecessary because of a global tax deal.

       Technology | Apple moves record ￡720m from UK to Ireland Investing tips | How to get an 8.5pc yield from your portfolio Alex | View today's cartoon strip on the world of finance Sport briefing

       Let the mind games begin | Springboks' director of rugby accused the Lions of running scared after Warren Gatland rejected their plea to play another fixture against South Africa 'A' on Saturday. Daniel Schofield reports that, after spending a week isolating in their hotel following a Covid outbreak, the Springboks are sorely lacking in match fitness.

       Dan Lancaster interview | 'Obviously, I am going to listen to my dad' Euros | Next summer is the women's turn to take centre stage James Brown | 'Day I found out football really is my religion' And finally... for this morning's downtime

       Was the great composer William Byrd secretly a traitor to England? | The "father of English music" survived five reigns and four changes of state religion - but the evidence hints at dangerous sympathies. Classical Music Critic Ivan Hewett investigates.

       If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts, smart speakers and WhatsApp.