"It’s much better if he doesn’t play" - Marc Cucurella makes honest claim about England star ahead of EURO 2024 final
Spain star Marc Cucurella has said that he hopes England forward Cole Palmer doesn't make it off the bench in the Euro 2024 final. The two sides lock horns in the final of the European Championship in Berlin on Sunday (July 14) in what promises to be a thriller.
Cucurella witnessed first-hand how his Chelsea teammate Palmer almost single-handedly steered the club to a top-six finish in the Premier League. The 22-year-old scored 22 times and provided 11 assists as the Blues narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA Europa League.
Marc Cucurella, meanwhile, was never really an undisputed starter at Stamford Bridge like Palmer, but he's in Germany. The former Getafe man has started all but one of La Roja's games and has performed excellently.
Barring any late changes from Luis De la Fuente, Cucurella is expected to start the Euro 2024 final ahead of Alejandro Grimaldo. The 25-year-old told Mundo Deportivo about the game against England and had some words about his Chelsea teammate.
"I spoke with him, but it was over a week ago. We talked for a while in the previous rounds. For me, it’s much better if he doesn’t play and stays on the bench."
Cole Palmer is yet to start for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 but has come off the bench four times. The English forward was decisive in the semi-final, coming off the bench to set up fellow substitute Ollie Watkins' 90th-minute winner in the 2-1 come-from-behind win against the Netherlands in Dortmund.
Palmer has history with Spain, having scored a free-kick in the final of the U-21 Euros against them a year ago. The former Manchester City man is one of the most decisive and consistent players in the England squad and could play a big role in the final.
Micah Richards criticises Chelsea following Marc Cucurella's Euro 2024 displays
Former player Micah Richards has put the blame on Chelsea for the struggles of Marc Cucurella at the club after his impressive displays in Germany. The Spaniard has been arguably the best left-back in the tournament and has earned plaudits for his performances.
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 but has struggled to make his mark. Richards told the Rest is Football podcast that the fault lies with the club for the Spaniard's struggles.
“Marc Cucurella is a massive talking point. At Brighton, he was in a system. He could play as one of three centre-backs or at full-back and would always go forward and join in attacks.
“He looked like a really good player. He went to Chelsea, and because it was so disorganised, he became a bit of a laughing stock. But, in this tournament, he’s been one of the best full-backs.”
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will look to get the best out of Cucurella once he returns after Euro 2024. The Spaniard thrived in Mauricio Pochettino's final days at the club and will hope to continue that under Maresca.