Rodri reveals what he really thinks about Chelsea star Cole Palmer after superb equalizer in Euro 2024 final
Spain midfielder Rodri has shared his thoughts on England star Cole Palmer after his goalscoring cameo in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, July 14. Palmer scored off the bench as England succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain, who won the tournament for a record fourth time.
England arrived at the Euros with arguably the deepest and most talented squad, with Gareth Southgate forced to leave out a number of top-class players. The manager named a relatively young squad, with the likes of Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Anthony Gordon making the cut.
Cole Palmer had to bide his time as he was starved of minutes in the opening games for the Three Lions. The Chelsea man was called off the bench with England in trouble against Spain in the final, and he responded with a fine strike just three minutes into his introduction.
Rodri, who played alongside the 22-year-old in his formative years at Manchester City, hailed him for his cameo after the game. The experienced midfielder predicted that the forward will be one of the best players in the world in the coming years. He told ITV Sport:
“We knew they didn’t need to do a great game to draw, to score goals. I know this guy (Palmer). Huge talent he is going to be. A top player in the next years. He put it in the corner (Palmer’s goal)."
“In that moment we suffer a little bit. But this tournament, we showed something different that was key and we overcame this situation, so it was great," Rodri added.
However, Spain continued to press and were rewarded when Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late winner. Cole Palmer managed to create another opportunity for England to equalize in stoppage time only for Dani Olmo to clear off the line.
Marc Cucurella overshadows Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer in Euro 2024 final
Spain and Chelsea star Marc Cucurella had the last laugh at the expense of club teammate Cole Palmer in the Euro 2024 final. The 25-year-old left-back won over his doubters with a string of quality displays and capped off his tournament with a title-winning assist.
Cucurella expressed his fears of Palmer playing before the game, and the Englishman showed just why with a superb goal. Cucurella, however, showed his class as he flew up the pitch to deliver an inch-perfect cross for Oyarzabal to slot home in the 86th minute.
Despuite being greatly maligned before the tournament, Cucurella proved his worth, appearing six times in total. The left-back was arguably the best in his position and thoroughly deserves all the plaudits.