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Spain defender Marc Cucurella hits back at Gary Neville’s criticism following Euro 2024 title win
Famous last words, and all that.
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Defender Marc Cucurella has hit back at Gary Neville’s criticism of him following Spain’s win in the Euros 2024 final.
After what has been an action-packed past few weeks since UEFA Euro 2024 first kicked off out in Germany on 14 June, with Gareth Southgate‘s Three Lions squad managing to make it all the way to their second consecutive Euros final, it was Spain who came out victorious in the end and took home the coveted title.
Spain clinched the all-important 2-1 victory thanks to goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, while England’s effort was scored by second-half substitute Cole Palmer.
While we all know what ended up happening in the end, and while Spain were the clear natural winners on the night, ahead of the highly-anticipated final match showdown, Gary Neville had his reservations and gave his view on what could be Spain’s downfall if the nation were to lose and England should reign supreme.
🗣️ "He's not been convincing, that price tag I think still astounds everybody to this day…"
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 15, 2024
👀 Gary Neville isn't convinced Spain can go all the way this tournament with Chelsea's Marc Cucurella at left-back…#Euro2024 | #SPACRO pic.twitter.com/QzD4drqvAJ
The former Manchester United and England right-back – who has been serving as a pundit on ITV throughout European football‘s flagship tournament – pointed to Spain’s left-back, Marc Cucurella, as one of the reasons the team may struggle against England.
He said the Cheslea player is a contributing factor as to why he feels Spain “can’t go all the way” in the tournament.
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![](https://themanc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GSe3nr3WAAAuuHZ-1280x1600.jpeg)
Speaking live on ITV on the Spanish team earlier on in the tournament, Neville explained: [Cucurella’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 [but I think] that price tag still, to be fair, astounds everybody to this day.
“The Spanish defence has 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.
“And I have to say, [Cucurella] being at left-back probably is another example of why we think that.”
![](https://themanc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-15-at-09.54.16.png)
It was not long after Spain ran away with the title last night that Cucurella remembered Neville’s pre-match message for him, and so decided to hop on social media to share his own response to the ITV pundit’s strong words.
Writing on his Instagram story, Cucurella shared a picture with Neville’s quote in writing and commented in response: “We went all the way Gary.
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“Thanks for your support.”
Featured Image – Marc Cucurella (via X)