Ezri Konsa’s Confidence in Playing for England After Call-Up

Ezri Konsa, a defender for Aston Villa, confidently stated that he had anticipated being called up for the England national team. This came true when he was selected by Gareth Southgate to join the squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. Konsa, along with Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis, was included in the team as replacements for James Maddison, Callum Wilson, and Lewis Dunk who were unable to play due to injuries.

Having previously played for England’s U21 team, the 26-year-old now has the opportunity to potentially make his debut for the senior team in the upcoming matches. During a press conference held on Tuesday, Konsa expressed his belief in future participation in the national team. He recognized the advancements in his performance while being a part of Aston Villa and conveyed his satisfaction and joy upon receiving the call-up.

Under the leadership of manager Unai Emery, Aston Villa has achieved notable triumphs in the previous year, notably securing a spot in European football after a 13-year hiatus. Konsa played a pivotal role in their remarkable journey in the 2022-23 season, commencing in every Premier League match and contributing to their unbeaten record at home. Konsa highlighted his confidence in himself and his love for football at present, expressing that everything else will be taken care of. Currently, England is leading in Group C and has already guaranteed their spot in the tournament in Germany next year. Konsa expressed his desire to be a part of Southgate’s team for the upcoming competition, a goal that every player shares.

The defender received praise from his previous coach and former England captain, John Terry, who commended Konsa’s unwavering performance and outstanding achievements throughout the last three years. Konsa was pleasantly surprised by his call-up after Villa’s 3-1 win against Fulham on Sunday. He expressed his gratitude for Terry’s message and recognized the influential role the ex-Chelsea defender played in his growth as a player. Konsa revealed that he frequently sought Terry’s guidance on maintaining a consistent level of performance and attributed his development as a player to Terry’s support. While driving back home after the game, he shared the experience of receiving the news and described how it took a while for him to fully comprehend what had happened. Konsa’s partner, on the other hand, was even more thrilled and expressed their happiness by shedding tears of joy. Although Konsa had initially intended to take a break, he revealed his strong inclination towards joining the England squad and his eagerness for the chance that lay ahead.