Cucurella started six of the eventual winners’ seven games and thrived down the left-hand side, where his combination play with Nico Williams was one of the features of Spain’s play. His underlapping and overlapping runs added extra threat to Luis de la Fuente’s team, and allowed the tricky Williams to flourish.

Defensively, Cucurella was typically resilient, with his 20 combined tackles won and interceptions made the highest figure of any Spanish player. Spain conceded just four goals in seven games – one in each of the knockout rounds – and limited Italy, Germany, France and England to very few clear chances.

Cucurella, who has followed his compatriots Juan Mata and Fernando Torres in winning the Euros with Spain as a Chelsea player, saved his best until last. With a little over four minutes of the final remaining, it was Cucurella’s teasing low left-wing delivery that Mikel Oyarzabal turned past Jordan Pickford and into the net to win Euro 2024 for Spain.

It was some way for Cucurella to register his first assist for Spain, and a fitting denouement to a spectacular tournament for our left-back, who only cemented his place in the starting XI on the eve of the tournament.

Congratulations, Cucu!

The full Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament is:

Mike Maignan; Kyle Walker, William Saliba, Manuel Akanji, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Dani Olmo, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala, Nico Williams

The official Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament is based on votes from UEFA’s technical observer, who consider a player’s individual performances and impact on their team. Former Chelsea managers Avram Grant and Rafa Benitez are among those on the 12-strong group.