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4 months ago
25
Gary Neville has once again received criticism for his Euro 2024 Spain prediction following the final between Spain and England.
The Three Lions fell short in Berlin on Sunday night, losing 2-1 with Mikel Oyarzabal poking in just minutes from time to condemn England to a second European Championship final defeat in as many tournaments.
They looked to have momentum on their side when Cole Palmer equalised in the second half, but Marc Cucurella was on hand to put in a pinpoint cross for Oyarzabal to poke home from a few yards out.
It was Cucurella who Neville had singled out for criticism in the early stages of the tournament, with the Chelsea man's inclusion in Spain's team surprising many.
He went onto start all but one of his side's games, performing as the outstanding left back of the tournament and helping Spain to victory for the fourth time in the European Championship.
Gary Neville has again received criticism for his Euro 2024 Spain prediction in reference to Marc Cucurella (pictured)
Neville (pictured) had claimed that Cucurella's place in the Spain team was a reason for why they couldn't go far in the competition
One fan told Neville to not 'talk too early' on X after Cucurella delivered an assist in the final
Early on in Spain's run, Neville, who had been working as a pundit for ITV throughout the tournament in Germany, said: '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.'
Neville was left red-faced following full time, with Cucurella's assist ensuring Spain lifted the trophy ahead of England in Berlin on Sunday night.
Fans have wasted little time taking to X to mock the former defender, with one fans posting: 'Gary Neville said Cucurella is the reason Spain won't go far, but Cucurella is set to become the architect of the winning goal against Neville's England if it ends this way.
'This life is not balanced. Don't talk too early.'
Another posted: 'He just set up the goal to beat England to win the whole tournament,' accompanied by a laughing face emoji.
A third added: 'Congratulations to Marc Cucurella & Spain, commiserations to Conor Gallagher & Cole Palmer. Quite funny that the 'weak link' that Gary Neville picked out has been defender of the tournament & assisted the winning goal.
'His bias is embarrassing & Chelsea fans should ignore him.'
Neville's words were highlighted by fans online, with the defender starting six of Spain's seven matches
Cucurella has had some difficult moments in his two years at Chelsea since joining from Brighton
Cucurella has had a hit-and-miss time with Chelsea after joining from Brighton for £62million two years ago, with the club in a period of transition under their fourth permanent manager since they were taken over that summer.
He was one of the stars of the final, however, securing a 92 per cent pass accuracy, creating one big chance and picking up an assist.
He has made a total of 50 appearances for the Blues, who have finished 12th and sixth in his two years at the club.
Competing with Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill for the left back spot, he has on occasion found himself out the team, but finished the season as first choice and looks set to stay there after his performances for his country this summer.
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