Aston Villa defender hoping to stay consistent after national team call-up

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has admitted that he needs to stay consistent if he wants to make the final Three Lions roster to the Euro 2024 in Germany next year. Konsa was handed his debut call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia on Friday and next Monday.

Ezri Konsa was not part of Gareth Southgate’s initial squad for the games on 17 and 20 November, but after five players pulled out on Monday, Cole Palmer, Ezri Konsa, and Rico Lewis replaced the injured James Maddison, Callum Wilson, and Lewis Dunk.

The Aston Villa defender has played 12 Premier League fixtures for the club this season and admits that the call-up is a big moment, although playing in the two games boils down to the manager.

“I was smiling because it was a big moment for me. I’m just excited for this week and to experience a game with my national team. I was driving home after my game on Sunda,  me and the Mrs were talking about having a little break and going away – two minutes later, I got the call. It was a weird feeling, it didn’t really sink in until I got home. I just want to train well and see what happens. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and stay consistent, hopefully, that will get me my chance.” Konza said.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill have also withdrawn from the England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia due to shoulder injuries.

England’s original November squad

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).

Defenders: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayi Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Callum Wilson (Newcastle).

Daniel Ademiju Idowu