Marc Cucurella fires cheeky 10-word dig at Gary Neville over pundit’s pre-Euro 2024 comments before wife puts boot in
MARC CUCURELLA has hit back at Gary Neville’s pre-tournament criticism of him after helping Spain win Euro 2024.
Spain claimed a 2-1 victory over England in Berlin last night to see them lift their fourth European Championship.
But in the early stages of the tournament, former Manchester United star Neville singled out the Chelsea defender and claimed he may be the weak link for La Roja.
He told ITV: “He’s not been convincing at Chelsea. He’s played a few games towards the end of the season.
“He’s aggressive, he’s tenacious, he’s a busy little full back. The price tag still astounds everyone to this day.
“The Spanish defence, it’s got a lot of experience now but there’s something just missing from Spain that makes you feel like they’re going to go all the way.
“I have to say that him being at left back is a good example of why we think that.”
However, as it turned out, the 25-year-old was anything but a weak link as he played in every game of the tournament except for the third group stage game.
Cucurella also went on to play every single minute of football from the quarter-finals to the final.
And as if his consistently solid displays were not enough to stick it to Neville, then grabbing the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner was the cherry on top.
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Following the final celebrations, Cucurella took to Instagram to fire a cheeky message towards Neville.
He shared Neville’s quote, alongside a photo of himself celebrating and with the caption: “We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support.”
The ex-Brighton star rounded it off with a love heart, trophy, Spain flag and winking kissing set of emojis.
His partner, Claudia Rodriguez joined in on the Neville clap-back, saying: “How was your night, @gneville2?”
Cucurella has been hit and miss during the first two seasons of his Chelsea career following a £62million transfer from the Seagulls.
However, towards the end of last season under Mauricio Pochettino Cucurella finally found his feet and became a key cog in the Blues’ late season surge up the table to finish seventh in the end.
England ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreak
COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:
Jordan Pickford: 8
Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.
Kyle Walker: 6
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
John Stones: 8
A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.
Marc Guehi: 6
Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.
Declan Rice: 7
Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5
Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller.
Luke Shaw: 7
Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.
Phil Foden: 6
Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.
Jude Bellingham: 7
Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.
Harry Kane: 4
His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.
SUBS:
Ollie Watkins: 6
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
Cole Palmer: 9
What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.
Ivan Toney: 6
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
Gareth Southgate: 7
The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.
His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.
Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.