Papers focus on Children's Plan

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The government's 10-year plan for children, announced on Tuesday, is the main topic in the leader columns.

The Daily Telegraph says Children's Secretary Ed Balls tried to portray himself as the father of the nation.

The paper warns against interference by the state, a sentiment shared by the Daily Mail, which says families need motivation to do things for themselves.

The Guardian worries that the government's ten-year plan for children sets its sights too far in the future.

Fantasy football

Many papers believe there will be big developments in the hunt for a new manager of the England football squad.

Fabio Capello, the Italian who most recently coached Real Madrid, is widely expected to fly into London to thrash out a deal with the FA.

The Daily Express hopes that, unlike in the film, The Italian Job, the country is not all left with a big cliffhanger.

The Daily Star reports that Mr Capello would ban the wives and girlfriends of players from the run up to big games.

Algerian massacre

World news in many of the morning papers is dominated by Tuesday's bombings in Algerian capital Algiers.

The Times says the bombings are another example of attacks on the 11th day of the month in what, it says, appears to be a "grim reminder" of 9/11.

The Independent reports that al-Qaeda's North African wing appears to be responsible, and that the United Nations building was a specific target.

The Daily Mirror reports that al-Qaeda posted pictures of what it said were the bombers on an Islamic website.

Christmas hampered

As the Christmas period goes into full swing, the papers warn of shortages of various Christmas essentials.

According to the Daily Mail, supplies of dominoes are running out because the game is enjoying a huge renaissance.

The paper says sales have doubled this year alone because celebrities like Tom Cruise and the Beckhams have popularised the game.

The Daily Express reports that a national shortage of holly with berries has trebled their cost.