Bukayo Saka is currently focused on England duty as he aims to try and help his nation to a first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966.
The Arsenal talisman is joined by two Aston Villa players in his efforts, with Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa both included in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
Konsa is yet to feature in the tournament, but Watkins replaced Harry Kane in the 70th-minute in the 1-1 draw with Denmark last time out; a collective display that has led to fierce criticism of England and Southgate.
Bukayo Saka has unsurprisingly started in both games, notching an assist in the win over Serbia, and the Arsenal winger talked all things England on the team’s official Youtube channel.
Bukayo Saka hails Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa
Saka appeared on the Lions’ Den series which has become a staple of the England Youtube channel during major tournaments.
The 22-year-old was joined by Arsenal teammate and England back-up goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale where he revealed that he has been doing extra work with Konsa.
Speaking about Konsa in the video, Saka said: “In some sessions, I do a little one-v-one with Ezri because, you know, for me, he is one of the best in the Premier League, defending one-v-one, so he improves me and improves him as well.
So, I enjoy coming up against him.”
Will Konsa feature in Euro 2024?
Konsa has had to watch on from the bench as England have struggled to get going in their opening two games of Euro 2024.
Having only made his England debut in March, Konsa is a newcomer to international football and his ability to play both centre-back and right-back to a high level is one of the key reasons he was selected for the Euros.
With John Stones’ usual England centre-back partner Harry Maguire not recovering from injury in time for the tournament there was a spot up for grabs in Konsa’s favoured position.
However, Southgate has so far gone with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as Maguire’s replacement and the 23-year-old has performed well.
Kyle Walker is effectively the undisputed right-back in Southgate’s side so there is little chance Konsa will displace him there, however the Villa defender will maintain hopes of having a part to play in the tournament.
With Kane looking sluggish so far, Watkins perhaps the better chance having a telling contribution in England’s Euros campaign.
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