Never shy to give his opinion, Gary Neville was left to regret his comments regarding Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella after Sunday night's Euro 2024 final as the Spanish lifted their fourth Euros title.
The Chelsea full-back provided the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th minute winner with a pinpoint cross leaving Gareth Southgate's side shell-shocked with only minutes left to play.
This moment capped off an outstanding tournament for Cucurella, who credited his diligent work ethic during a challenging season at Chelsea for his success on the international stage.
England had made a habit of responding to setbacks throughout the 2024 European Championships having gone behind in their three previous matches but this was a step too far.
GOAL SPAIN
🇪🇸 2-1 🏴
Spain strike late through a sub of their own. After a lengthy VAR check, Mikel Oyarzabal's goal is given #Euro2024
📺@rte2 and @rteplayer 👉https://t.co/ZfldwHUA2l
📱 Match updates 👉 https://t.co/IIRTDMrpRx pic.twitter.com/VsD3FVkGbY— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 14, 2024
SEE ALSO: Roy Keane Gave Brutally Honest Assessment Of England's Euro 2024 Final Loss
Marc Cucurella's Euro 2024 journey
Cucurella has carried his brilliant end of season form with Chelsea onto the international stage and was not only one of Spain’s best performers, he was one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Spain's journey to the final saw them play some excellent football but Cucurella's inclusion raised eyebrows. Neville told X during the group stage:
"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 [but] 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 not 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."
Neville's comments obviously struck a nerve with the 25 year-old, taking to social media following the final whistle to respond to the earlier comments.
"We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support."
🇪🇸 Marc Cucurella replies to Gary Neville: “We went all the way, Gary. Thanks for your support”. pic.twitter.com/RXYw9sMkaf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2024
It’s been an impressive turnaround for Cucurella who was booed by Chelsea fans in his first season at the club, but he is now a European Champion and has every chance of starting next season as Enzo Maresca’s first choice left back.
It was a fitting end to a wonderful tournament for the Spaniard who deservedly had the last laugh.
