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To celebrate their daughter Princess Lilibet turning three, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly threw a pre-birthday bash which was attended by close friends and family

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently celebrated their daughter’s third birthday (Image: Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been celebrating a very special occasion as their daughter Princess Lilibet turned three last month on Tuesday, 4 June. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are also parents to five year old son Prince Archie, reportedly threw an intimate pre-birthday bash for their little one at their stunning Montecito home.

According to People magazine, the family kicked off celebrations early and enjoyed a pre-birthday bash the weekend prior to the big day surrounded by close friends and family as well as some of Lilibet’s pals.

Prince Harry and Meghan have called California their home since moving to the US in 2020 with their son Archie, who was a year old at the time. Lilibet however was born in the US, with her doting parents revealing that they were “blessed” at her arrival.

Princess Lillibet celebrated her third birthday last month (Image: Netflix)
A message from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their Archewell website read: “On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.

“She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”

Meanwhile, speaking to OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained a few possibilities regarding how Lilibet could have spent her day.

Meghan and Harry reportedly threw a pre-birthday party for their daughter (Image: Netflix)
“Three-year-old birthday parties are all about bouncy castles and little girls in princess dresses,” she said. “Of course Lilibet is already a princess, but I’m sure her mum will still want to dress her up for her big day. After all, that’s half the fun of having a little girl.

“If Lilibet is anything like my three-year-old granddaughter, now is the time that she will be pining for a pet to cuddle…and a make up bag full of child friendly (and washable) lipsticks and nail varnish. So I hope Harry is ready for guinea pig cage cleaning duties!”

Lilibet was born on 4th June in 2021 (Image: Netflix)
As for what the day itself, Jennie added: “I expect her birthday will be full of sunshine, squabbles with her brother, fun games with her toddler friends and some delicious home cooking from her mum.

“It will no doubt be in all American affair at their Montecito mansion and I would expect to see a sprinkling of celebrities and a laid-back party, which hopefully will include some other toddlers.

“It would be nice to think the day might include a video call to Lilibet’s grandfather, King Charles and hopefully some sort of gift has been arranged and will be delivered to Montecito for her birthday.”

ITV Loose Women mark milestone but viewers are left ‘cringing’

Loose Women fans were left divided as they watched the show on Monday as the panel celebrated a huge milestone with long-serving panellist Janet Street-Porter

Loose Women: Stephen Flynn says he won’t support England

ITV’s Loose Women had viewers cringing as veteran panellist Janet Street-Porter marked a milestone with her 1000th episode on the show.

The celebration kicked off on Monday, July 8, with host Christine Lampard leading the tribute alongside Coleen Nolan and Linda Robinson. They took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing over Janet’s unforgettable moments since she joined the panel in 2011.

Janet’s colourful history of four marriages, which she often shares with viewers, her beloved pooch Badger, and her penchant for quality time with her canine companion were all hot topics. However, it was the recollection of Janet donning a hot dog costume that really caught everyone’s attention.

Janet didn’t hold back, revealing her disdain for the outfit and her general aversion to dressing up. Despite her protests, her fellow panellists insisted she revisit the hot dog look from years gone by.

The Loose Women panel dressed as hot dogs to celebrate Janet Street Porter (Image: ITV)

Post-ad break, the audience was taken aback to see all four women sporting hot dog costumes in a show of solidarity with Janet. Christine Lampard declared, amidst laughter, “We’re doing this for you, Janet because we love you! “, reports the Mirror.

Nonetheless, the antics didn’t end there. An Elton John tribute was even hired to serenade Janet towards the show’s culmination.

However, amidst all the revelry, some viewers were less than pleased. Taking to social media platform, one viewer stated: “Hot dog panel. All time low. Cringe to the max.”

Janet celebrated her 1000th episode (Image: ITV)

Another bewildered viewer enquired: “What the fresh hell is this? ” A third one included a gif with the word “embarrassing” outrightly displayed on it.

One disgruntled viewer added: “The show has been dumbed down for over a decade with poor content and scripted unexciting women. Same old, same old. The show needs to move up and not treat lunchtime viewings as dumbed-down television.”

Yet, despite the criticism, some fans appreciated the lively content on offer. One enthusiast exclaimed: “Elton John impersonator TERRIFIC! “.

Another advised: “Stop complaining about the people on loose women and what they say. Just deal with it.”

Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘disgraceful’ Ed Davey dig leaves BBC viewers demanding axe

BBC viewers expressed their dismay over Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘diabolical’ introduction of Sir Ed Davey during her weekend interview with him.

Ed Davey quizzed on post office scandal by Laura Kuenssberg

Carol Vorderman has joined a raft of critics laying into Laura Kuenssberg after the BBC politics presenter allegedy made sly dig towards the Liberal Democrat leader.

The 47-year-old BBC host interviewed Sir Ed Davey and began by explaining how the party had “ruthlessly targeted seats where the Conservatives had held them”.

During her Sunday politics show, she added: “This election made history for all sorts of reasons, and when you put the votes together, the smaller parties got their highest ever share of the votes.

“Maybe it was the bungee jumping, or maybe given that the Liberal Democrats want to change the voting system, ironically, perhaps they just learned how to play it better by ruthlessly targeting seats where the Conservatives had held them.”

A video was then shown of Sir Ed and his party having a good time singing Sweet Caroline in a pub.

Carol Vorderman is among many to publicly oppose Laura Kuenssberg’s comment (Image: BBC)

Introducing him, she said: “Well, there he is, Ed Davey, the happiest man in Britain.

“He looked like he was there, celebrating winning more than 70 seats, and he joined us this morning from south-west London.

“Ed Davey, congratulations, I suppose, on your more than 70 seats.”

Former Countdown star Carol, along with many fans, was irritated by Kuenssberg’s use of “I suppose” in her introduction.

Sir Ed Davey was interviewed on Laura Kuenssberg’s Sunday morning politics show (Image: BBC)

They called for her to be replaced by Victoria Derbyshire. One fan even branded Kuenssberg “opinionated and often downright rude”.

Vorderman tweeted: “Time for #bbclaurak to become #bbcVictoriaD don’t you think? @vicderbyshire Quite extraordinary. Vic D is exceptional and gives them all a hard time if that is what’s needed.

“She knows her details and cuts through with any bias. BBC is lucky to have her.”

Meanwhile, another viewer replied: “Diabolic introduction to her interview with Ed Davey from BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.

“No spoilers, but pay close attention to the end of the clip. Can’t see anything to justify it.”

Another added: “If I were Ed Davey, I’d have said: ‘What do you mean? It was a great achievement for us, and our strategy has worked wonders.’ The challenge goes both ways.”

A fourth said: “‘Congratulations…I suppose.’ I think this sort of nonsense will be curtailed in coming months. I can’t see the Tory donor/grandee cabal that’s currently throttling the corporation retaining its influence for much longer. ”

A fifth agreed: “I missed this bit of the programme this morning. Absolutely disgraceful from #LauraKuenssberg … she’s practically snarling as she says ‘Ed Davey, congratulations – I suppose’ … get rid of her.”

Another chimed in with: “Dear @BBCNews. Please replace Laura Kuenssberg and Fiona Bruce with Victoria Derbyshire immediately. Kind regards, the British viewers.”

Emmerdale Mandy’s explosive secret ‘revealed’ – and fiancé Paddy will be heartbroken

Emmerdale viewers have ‘worked out’ Mandy Dingle’s life-changing secret amid her engagement to Paddy Kirk

Fans reckon Mandy is hiding something (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale fans reckon Mandy Dingle is hiding a major secret – and it’s bad news for her fiancé Paddy Kirk.

Soap legend Mandy (Lisa Riley) is a favourite on the ITV soap – making her debut way back in 1995. Since then, she’s played a part in several dramatic storylines.

Over in the famous dales recently, she got engaged to former flame Paddy (Dominic Brunt), after resolving things following Paddy’s kids with estranged wife Chas (Lucy Pargeter).

But during episodes from last week, fans noticed a huge change in Mandy. She was at first, on cloud nine when she got engaged, but recently she has appeared a little distracted.

READ MORE: Emmerdale’s Samson prison exit twist, Matty in danger and Jai heartbreak

Mandy has been acting differently according to fans (Image: ITV)

After a bad day work at work, Paddy suggested they spend an afternoon doing wedding prep – but Mandy wasn’t keen. He even asked her out right if she still wanted to get married.

Looking sheepish, Mandy said yes, but pointed out she wants to enjoy the feeling of being engaged for a little while longer. However, fans of the soap reckon something more dramatic is on the cards for beloved couple Mandy and Paddy.

Online, fans have shared their fears that “something is going on” with Mandy as she is “not interested” in Paddy anymore. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “what’s going on with Mandy? doesn’t she want to marry Paddy anymore? weird.”

Fans have ‘rumbled’ Mandy’s secret (Image: ITV)

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A second also spoke out and claimed the character could be potentially set for a shock exit. They wrote: “Looks to me that Mandy is going through a mid-life crisis. Getting bored easily, wanting to do random exciting activities and not wanting to set a date to get married. Only a matter of time until she wants to leave the village.”

Meanwhile, over on a Facebook fan page, other fans claimed they have ‘worked out’ her secret, and what exactly is wrong with her. One fan commented: “Why does Mandy not seem interested anymore?”

A second replied: “I wonder if she’s married to someone?!” A third penned: “I was thinking the same.” Another replied: “This would be devastating for Paddy.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are planning a summer break away from the family drama which includes a special trip with their kids – and a stay on a remote island

Meghan and Harry both want quality time with their children after a difficult few months (Image: No credit)

After her father’s sad claims about the state of his relationship with his Duchess daughter, Meghan Markle is said to be waving goodbye to the drama and seeking sanctuary on a “remote island” with her family.

According to our source, Meghan, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, are gearing up for a summer of “relaxing and having fun” with their two little ones. The Duke and Duchess have endured what probably feels like a fairly relentless run of negative attention this year, including the drama surrounding Harry’s flying visit to the UK in May, and the ongoing stories of strife with Prince William, 42, and Kate Middleton.

Our source claimed the California-based couple wiped their family-drama slate clean, so to speak, on Independence Day (Thursday, 4 June), and are now only focussing on the positive things in their life – in particular their children, Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want a summer of family and fun, our source says (Image: alexilubomirski/Instagram)
“As usual her and Harry celebrated with the kids but she wants to use the next couple of months relaxing and having fun after a stressful year so far,” they told us.

“Meghan wants to get away with Harry and the kids to a remote island so they can just have fun as a family without any outside pressure and be in complete luxury.”

The couple have undertaken a number of high-profile events and trips this year, including their diary-filled joint visit to Nigeria, which came just a few days after Harry’s solo stay in the UK for his Invictus Games anniversary. His London visit was at risk of being overshadowed by the fact he failed to meet with his father, King Charles, who has been receiving treatment for his cancer.

The first six months of the year also saw Meghan launch her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which hasn’t always attracted the attention she was likely hoping for.

Meghan launched her American Riviera Brand back in March (Image: No credit)
When she announced the brand in March – kicking it off with a special-edition and very limited production run of jam – it received very mixed reviews from both the public and some royal watchers, some of which reportedly left Meghan “in tears”.

Given all this, our source said the mum of two is now dead set on stepping away from the headlines and focusing on making happy memories with her children and her husband – who is said to be planning a surprise for her 43rd birthday in August.

“Archie and Lilibet are at that age now where they can do more adventurous stuff and Meghan has even talked about a trip to Disneyland as she knows they will be well looked after there and how much the children would love it,” they claimed.

“Lili is very into Disney princesses right now and would be in her element.”

Our source says Meghan is looking forward to some quality time with Archie and Lilibet (Image: Netflix)
Meghan has also reportedly been relying heavily on her close circle of friends, especially in the fallout from her dad’s bombshell interview last month in which he revealed his sadness over his estrangement from her, and regret over having never met Prince Harry in person. At the time, Meghan was reportedly seeking support from her friends in Montecito, as well as her mum, Doria Ragland.

Our source said her friends are another of Meghan’s priority this summer, and she’s planning a number of trips with them to help reset after a busy and stressful few months.

“As much as family time is the priority, Meghan also wants to spend more time with her friends and do some girly trips away and have a pampering weekend,” they told us. “She’d also like her and her friends to also go on a trip somewhere with the kids, maybe a bit of glamping in one of the National Parks.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are both fans of the great outdoors (Image: WireImage)
Despite American Riviera Orchard launching its website and social media back in March, the products – which include dog biscuits, jams, nut butters and oils – are still not available to buy. Meghan’s team has sent out a number of limited-edition products to their celebrity friends, including Harry’s polo player friend Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras, and her former Suits co-star and BFF Abigail Spencer, and it’s rumoured to be rolling-out on a bigger scale after the summer.

“She knows she’s got a busy autumn coming up with lots of new work commitments so she just wants to concentrate on family and friends this summer as she won’t have as much time for it in the run up to the end of the year,” our source said.

“Plus it’s her birthday in August but she’s letting Harry arrange that and surprise her with something as he has always done.”

Kym Marsh hits out after critics slam star, 48, dating new man who is same age as her son

Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh and her new beau have hit back at trolls who have criticised their 21-year age gap, just hours after announcing that they are in a relationship.

Kym Marsh pictured with her son Dave Cunliffe as they attend The British Soap Awards (Image: WireImage)

Kym Marsh went public with her new beau, who is nearly twenty years her junior, and clapped back at online trolls criticising their blossoming romance. The former Coronation Street star, 48, revealed her new relationship over the weekend with a public display of affection-filled post on social media. The post featured a romantic snapshot of her sharing a kiss with Samuel Thomas, her co-star in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.

“Met the most amazing man ever! Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times. @samuelthomasuk I love you #beautiful #soulmate #loveyou,” she wrote alongside the loved-up photo shared with her followers.

Many fans were quick to congratulate Kym on her new relationship. One fan wrote: “So pleased for you.”

Another added: “I’m so happy for you Kym! You deserve all the happiness.”

However, not everyone was as thrilled for the former Corrie actress and her new partner. One troll harshly commented: “Jesus… another amazing man… 5 minute wonder… he looks like your son.”

Kym Marsh attends the Royal Television Society Programme Awards (Image: Getty Images)

To which Kym retorted: “Do one.”

Another troll asked: “Did she just get married? Literally can’t keep up.”

While a third remarked: “You said that about the last bloke the other year.”

A fourth troll commented: “He looks like your son! Kym I like you but keep it private ffs.”

Kym Marsh’s went public with her new beau Samuel Thomas (Image: Kym Marsh Instagram)

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In response to the trolling, Kym shot back with the words “do one” at her critics, while her boyfriend Samuel also stepped in, questioning: “I wonder what’s missing from your life that you need to comment on others. Sad really.”

The mother-of-three, 48, had previously confirmed her romance with fellow actor Samuel, a co-star in her touring production of 101 Dalmatians, in a social media post. Kym portrays the notorious Cruella de Vil in the show, while he performs as Tom Dearly.

At 29, Scott – who she refers to as “the most amazing man ever” – is the same age as her eldest child, David Cunliffe.

On his personal Instagram page, Samuel shared a touching monochrome image of him and his new love interest, captioning the photograph: “I didn’t expect you, but here you are. I love you,” accompanied by a heart emoji. In response, Kym commented: “Ditto. The best things happen unexpectedly. Love you too.”

Actor Samuel Thomas is starring in a musical alongside Kym Marsh (Image: Instagram Samuel Thomas)

Kym is a parent to son David, 29, and daughter Emilie, 27, from a former relationship with builder David Cunliffe.

The couple, who met in a Lancashire pub, separated in 1999, shortly after she found fame on TV talent show Popstars.

Two years later Kym met Jack Ryder, a household name at the time thanks to his role as Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders. They wed in 2002 but divorced seven years later.

The Weatherfield actress dated actor Jamie Lomas four months after her separation from Jack

Kym Marsh and her new man are slamming harsh critics (Image: Getty Images)

They went on to welcome their daughter Polly in 2011 and the following year tied the knot. The couple divorced in 2014.

She remarried for a third time to Scott Ratcliff back in 2021 but the pair split 13 months following their wedding.

Love Island star who quit the show after partner was dumped revealed

WARNING SPOILERS – The identity of the Love Island star who walked out of the villa and quit the show following their partner’s dumping has been revealed

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Image: ITV)

Love Island viewers will say goodbye to another star in a shocking exit after she walks out of the villa following the dumping of her partner.

It’s been revealed that Uma Jammeh has unexpectedly quit the show after her partner Wil Anderson was dumped. In an upcoming re-coupling, Uma will be chosen by new bombshell Reuben Collins, leaving Wil single.

The news will come as a huge shock to ITV viewers after Uma was left heartbroken by Wil’s actions during Casa Amor, which saw him pursue Lucy Graybill. Uma was then forced to watch the incriminating scenes during the explosive Movie Night.

Uma was left in tears over Wil’s behaviour but the latter refused to apologise for his actions, explaining he acted that way because he felt like it. In Monday’s episode, Uma is given the chance to find a connection with someone else after being chosen to date new arrivals Reuben Collins and Joshua Oyinsan.

A source told MailOnline: “Uma made her feelings towards Wil clear by remaining loyal to him during Casa Amor. But now she’s made a huge commitment by quitting Love Island after he was dumped when she was stolen by one of the new bombshells.

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Uma has sensationally quit the villa ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It was an emotional moment shared by all of her fellow Islanders but it’s what she wanted to do to remain true to herself. She knew at this last stage in the competition that she wasn’t going to develop feelings for anyone else and she couldn’t see Wil leave on his own.”

Wil was recently called out by viewers over his “scary” behaviour after showing no remorse over his budding connection with Lucy. One fan tweeted: “Wil is actually a scary scary man, the switch up,” while another added: “Wooow Wil is sooooooo disrespectful.”

In the teaser for Monday’s episode, the fall out of Movie Night continues. Reflecting on Wil’s behaviour, Uma tells Matilda: “I’m so embarrassed, I really thought he was a different person…”

Matilda agrees, saying: “Yeah what we saw was really sh**, but the way they’ve handled it has made it ten times worse”. Getting emotional over the footage from Casa Amor, Uma continued: “For you to sit there and be like oh yeah that’s my perfect type, that’s actually quite upsetting for me to hear.”

As Mimii and Matilda comfort Uma, Matilda gives her a pep talk, saying: “Babe do you know what? You’re the most beautiful girl inside and out.” Mimii remarks: “This is the thing with men, they just get excited over a new shiny toy.”

Later in the episode, Uma enjoys getting to know new bombshells Reuben and Josh. She says: “Revenge is sweet! That’s exactly what I needed to remind me who I am.”

ITV declined to comment on the reports.

Gareth Southgate issues telling response to ‘personal ridicule’ from England critics

Gareth Southgate has led England to their third major semi-final during his spell in charge of the Three Lions having faced severe criticism on social media from supporters throughout Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate says he is using the “personal ridicule” against him to fuel England’s charge for Euros glory.

Southgate has become the first England boss to reach three semi finals in major tournaments and admits that he finds some of the criticism as “beyond belief.”

Former England players have piled in on Southgate during the Euros while there are thousands of memes of him online together with pictures, abuse and messages.

The Football Association is acutely aware of AI being used to mock Southgate and change his words during fake press conferences talking about his players. It has reached crazy levels during this tournament and has even seen fans throw beer at Southgate after the goalless draw with Slovenia.

But England now have a Euros semi final with Holland in Dortmund on Wednesday night and Southgate says he is using the abuse to drive him on. Southgate said: “Look, I can’t deny that some of the personal nature… this is a job where you get ridiculed, and your professional capability is questioned beyond belief, and I don’t think it’s normal to have beer thrown at you either.

“But I’m fortunate that my life’s taken me through a lot of resilience-building and it’s made me more determined and I’m just using it as fuel. I know where I want to take the team to, and, yeah, the team need to see me strong in those moments as well, otherwise that messaging that you’re giving them on what they need to be, it doesn’t ring true.”

Former England stars like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, both BBC pundits, have slammed Southgate and his tactics during the tournament.

Gareth Southgate has faced severe criticism in Euro 2024 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
England needed a penalty shoot-out to get past Switzerland but Southgate insisted he is not bothered about getting more respect or credit for his achievements during his eight year reign.

Suthgate added: “For me that doesn’t matter, the fact is we’re there, for the group of players and staff that are so focused on it, and wanting to go the next step, it really doesn’t matter.

“We’re still in there, it’s where we wanted to be at this point, we’re showing signs of improvement, in the way that we’ve played and… yeah, we’ve got to keep doing it.”

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England semi-final ref was involved in match fixing scandal and enraged Jude Bellingham

England have been told the official that will take charge of their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund but UEFA’s call will unlikely go down well with Jude Bellingham

German referee Felix Zwayer will take charge of England ’s Euros semi final – despite having history with Jude Bellingham.

England star Bellingham was fined £34,000 for post match remarks about Zwayer after Borussia Dortmund lost to Bayern Munich in 2021 following a controversial penalty decision. Zwayer had been involved in a match fixing scandal and served a six month ban in 2005 after accepting a £250 bribe from fellow referee Robert Hoyzer.

Bellingham brought up the match fixing story during a post-match interview and was subsequently punished by the German FA. Bellingham fumed at the time: “It hits him and I don’t even think he’s looking at the ball but you know you can look at a lot of the decisions in the game. You give a referee that has match-fixed before, the biggest game in Germany what do you expect?”

Norwegian TV journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft, who conducted the interview, has piled into the debate over the appointment. Fjortoft said: “I am not sure what UEFA are thinking by putting Zwayer at the England-game. Back in 2021 Bellingham told me this after the game. And was fined €40,000 by German football officials.”

Zwayer, 43, is regarded by UEFA as one of their top officials and they insist that is why he is in charge. Bellingham has already been hit with a £25,000 fine and one match ban suspended for a year after making a gesture following his late leveller with Slovakia.

Speaking about that decision, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “I thought it was a common sense decision. Clearly when you score a goal of the quality that he did at the moment he did at the age he is, you are going to have an incredible rush of adrenaline.

Felix Zwayer will oversee England’s clash with the Netherlands ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
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“I think there was no intent in the gesture towards anybody other than the communication he has with his family. So from our perspective, we thought it was a sensible outcome.

“I speak to players all the time. I don’t feel a particular need to spend time with Jude on that. He is aware of the investigation and he is an intelligent guy.”

Bellingham had said the gesture was “an inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game”. But that excuse did not satisfy UEFA’s decision makers.

England fans slammed by Scott Parker over treatment of Gareth Southgate

England face the Netherlands in their third semi in four tournaments and Scott Parker says Gareth Southgate deserves huge praise, not abuse from Three Lions fans

Gareth Southgate has been stoutly defended by Scott Parker, who insists no manager should have objects hurled at them.

Southgate had paper cups thrown at him by angry England fans after the Three Lions’ disappointing goalless draw with Slovenia. Parker was appalled by the supporters’ antics and says Southgate has done “a brilliant” job in transforming the team and guiding them to three semi-finals in four tournaments.

England face The Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday and the new Burnley head coach and former England midfielder said: “No human being deserves to have paper cups chucked at them.

“He’s fundamentally a good man and whether people agree or don’t agree with certain things he does, no-one deserves to have paper cups chucked at them. He’s a family man, with children and a wife, and I think that’s what sometimes people don’t understand.

“This is a guy at the cutting edge and I’m sure Gareth would be the first to say there are certain elements that are not to his liking. But he’s in the semi-finals of the Euros and in terms of that, I think he’s done an incredible job.

“This is a man who has come into an England set-up and changed the culture and changed the environment. Now you’re looking at a team that’s enthusiastic to be a part of things.

“I’ve stood in those shoes as an England player and I look at this squad and the feeling they give you, and that’s all down to Gareth.”

Parker, 43, won most of his 18 caps under Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson and says the England squad back then was fractured by club cliques. He says Southgate has ended all that and made playing for England enjoyable again.

Scott Parker is the new Burnley manager ( 
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Getty Images)
“I was in a generation where it probably wasn’t like that, and that’s been well documented by many players, senior players, who have said sometimes the way of England was very fractious in certain moments,” he said. “It was different units in those times.

“I think it’s very different now, and like I said, I think that’s absolutely full credit to Gareth and his skill set. He’s obviously got a huge skill set and that’s not easy. He’s brought England teams to semis and finals. He’s done a brilliant job for me.”

Parker insists England can beat the Netherlands and reach their first overseas final. “Yeah definitely I fancy them,” he said.

“I thought the last game we played, I thought we played very well against Switzerland. I thought that would be the case. In the group stages, I thought we were up against very disciplined, strong teams in terms of their defending.

“Switzerland, I felt they showed real quality and I think that will be the same with Holland. They are a modern, expansive team, who like to attack and I certainly think we’ve got the players to attack too. So fingers crossed for Gareth and the guys, I really I hope they can do it.”