Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa made his England debut on Saturday against Brazil after waiting in the wings for a long time.
The 26-year-old didn’t even start the game, but was brought into the action early in the first half after Kyle Walker picked up an injury.
Ezri Konsa slotted in at right-back and did a wonderful job. Many Aston Villa fans know he can do an even better job at centre-back.
But that’s where there is a stop. Everyone knows England boss Gareth Southgate has his favourites and it’s never going to change.
The much-criticised Manchester United defender Harry Maguire will always start if fit and available.
Butt that’s something Jason Cundy and Jermaine Pennant disagree with because they feel Ezri Konsa is ‘better than’ the £80 million player, as they told talkSPORT.
Despite that, many know what the starting XI will be when Euro 2024 hits everyone’s screens in the summer.
That was discussed on talkSPORT, with Jason Cundy adding that he ‘always been a fan’ of Aston Villa’s versatile star.
Ezri Konsa and Harry Maguire
“The defenders out there, are they better or worse than Maguire,” asked Pennant.
“I have always been a fan of Konsa,” responded Cundy. “Konsa is England’s best centre-half at Aston Villa, by the way. But we haven’t seen them, that’s why these games (friendlies) are important.”
Pennant added: “Konsa is better than Maguire.”
Cundy on Southgate’s thoughts: “Maguire is going to start. Everyone fit, it’s going to be Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones and Chilwell. Assuming Shaw is injured.”
Will Ezri Konsa go to Euro 2024?
In truth, it’s still up for grabs and these games are crucial for him to prove his worth and showcase that he belongs.
At Villa Park, he has proven time and time again that he is a composed player with outstanding one-v-one defending attributes.
Hopefully, more of that will come out against Belgium on Tuesday night and then Konsa will look to end the season on a high at Villa Park.
Champions League football and winning the Europa Conference League is a huge possibility, and if that happens, then players like Konsa and Ollie Watkins surely can’t be ignored.
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