Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has praised two “young” players from Euro 2024 amid his clear-cut warning over the need to prove themselves over their “very long” careers.
Euro 2024 culminated on Sunday evening with Luis de la Fuente’s Spain beating Gareth Southgate’s England side 2-1 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Spain, who won all seven of their matches at Euro 2024, broke the deadlock in the final after Nico Williams found the back of the net early in the second half.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer came off the bench for England and cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener for Spain in the 73rd minute of the contest.
However, Mikel Oyarzabal dashed the hopes of England and restored Spain’s advantage in the 86th minute of the Euro 2024 final in Germany.
Luis de la Fuente’s men were overlooked ahead of the tournament and Spain produced a stunning run to the final of this summer’s Euros.
Gareth Southgate, who led England to back-to-back defeats in European Championship finals, on Tuesday announced that he had stepped down from his role as manager.
Cantona praises two Euro 2024 stars
The Euro 2024 final featured talented emerging players both in the Spain squad and the England squad.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal were widely hailed for their devastating impact from the flanks for Spain.
England also boasted a star-studded roster of young talent, including Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Jude Bellingham was widely tipped to play a starring role for England at this summer’s Euros hot on the heels of an impressive debut season with Real Madrid.
Bukayo Saka, on the other hand, has established himself as a key player for Arsenal and the Gunners wingers impressed last season for the Premier League club.
In an interview with The Times, Eric Cantona spoke highly of England duo Saka and Bellingham and their long-term potential as players.
However, the United legend insisted that the expectation is now on Saka and Bellingham to prove they can remain at the top over a “very long” period.
“Bellingham and Saka are great players,” Cantona said.
“It’s a new generation. Sometimes you are very good when you are young, but you have to continue.
“So for now, of course, they are great players, but a career is very long.”
Cantona on Euro 2024 champions Spain
Cantona admitted that he deeply admired how Spain performed and is a big fan of their playing style, despite not supporting the team.
“I love the way Spain play,” he said.
“When you are a lover of football like me, you can only like this kind of team and the players they’ve got.
“I don’t support any team in particular. I support the team who play the best.”
Speaking on France and England, he added: “If I support one country, it’s England.
“I feel English in terms of football. The passion for the game, the vibes you feel as a player and a fan.
“I love to feel these vibes when they sing Three Lions. But I do think they could play much better football.”