Spain's standout wants Chelsea ace on bench for Euro 2024 final

As Spain prepares to face England in the highly anticipated Euro 2024 final at Berlin's Olympiastadion on Sunday, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has expressed his desire for his Chelsea teammate, Cole Palmer, to remain on the bench during the match.

Cucurella, who has been a key figure in Spain's unbeaten run to the final, spoke candidly about his preference for Palmer to take on a substitute role. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the 25-year-old left-back stated,

"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."

The comments from Cucurella shed light on the competitive nature of the upcoming final and the potential impact Palmer could have on the game. Despite being named Premier League Young Player of the Year last season, the 22-year-old England international has been used sparingly by manager Gareth Southgate throughout the tournament.

However, Palmer has made significant contributions off the bench, including scoring in a penalty shootout against Switzerland and assisting Ollie Watkins' last-minute winner against the Netherlands.

Cucurella's impressive performances for Spain have not gone unnoticed, with BBC One pundit Micah Richards highlighting his crucial role in the team's success. The Spaniard's defensive prowess has been instrumental in Spain's journey to their first major final in 12 years.

In preparation for the final, Cucurella revealed that Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has been strategising to counter England's Premier League stars. The Spanish camp has been working diligently to devise a plan to neutralise the threat posed by the English players, with Manchester City's Rodri providing valuable insights into English football.

Regardless of the outcome, Chelsea will have reason to celebrate, as they will have a European champion among their ranks next season. Both Cucurella and Palmer have displayed exceptional talent and resilience throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to their respective national teams.

The dynamic between Cucurella and Palmer adds an intriguing subplot to the clash between Spain and England. While Cucurella hopes to see his teammate on the bench, the possibility of Palmer making a decisive impact as a substitute cannot be ruled out.

The stage is set for an unforgettable match at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, as Spain and England battle it out for the coveted Euro 2024 trophy. With both teams boasting a wealth of talent and determination, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that showcases the best of European football.