Ezri Konsa was handed a start alongside his Aston Villa teammate Ollie Watkins as England beat Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday night at St James’ Park.
Gareth Southgate’s side secured a 3-0 friendly win ahead of Euro 2024, with Cole Palmer’s penalty, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first-time finish and Harry Kane’s close-range effort sealing the win.
The England boss opted to start Ezri Konsa at right-back, before he switched to left-back for a brief period and then finished the game at centre-back.
Aston Villa fans have witnessed his versatility all season long, his ability to remain calm and play under pressure, so they won’t be surprised by what he produced.
There is a reason why Unai Emery has guided Villa to the Champions League and Konsa has been one of his main men throughout the season.
Stan Collymore shared his thoughts on Konsa’s performance, how he ‘played well’ and how his versatility is going to be a ‘bonus’ for Southgate, as he posted on Twitter.
England have a plethora of right-backs to pick from. Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, who was used at left-back against Bosnia, Alexander-Arnold and the man who wasn’t selected for this squad, Reece James.
Collymore shared that if one of the more senior players can’t play, for one reason or another, then he is backing Konsa to step up and start.
Ezri Konsa starts for England during 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Played well, bonus for GS (Gareth Southgate) is that he’s flexible so he could fill a number of roles,” said Collymore. “No issue with him starting if one of the stalwarts don’t make it!”
Will Ezri Konsa go to Euro 2024?
The Villa man has a fight on his hands. You feel, for Watkins, after the season he has had, his spot and plane ticket to Germany is probably more straightforward, even though some feel it still should be Ivan Toney.
But the same can’t be said for Konsa because of who he is competing against.
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Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been a favourite of Southgate’s and started at centre-back alongside Lewis Dunk.
Then there is Liverpool’s rising star Jarell Quansah, who was an unused sub, as well as Everton’s Jarrod Branthwaite.
That’s who Konsa is, more than likely, competing against to go to the Euros and the squad size has been increased from 23 to 26.
For his performances this season, there is no doubt he deserves that call, it’s just a case of whether Southgate sees it that way.
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