Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa could finally be drafted into Gareth Southgate’s England XI at Euro, with the 26-year-old set to play in a surprise role.
England have looked unconvincing so far at Euro 2024 and although they managed to qualify for the round of 16 by topping the group, Gareth Southgate’s side have only scored twice.
The Three Lions only accrued five points from their three matches, finishing above the likes of Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia to set up a knockout clash against Slovakia.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was an unused substitute against Serbia and Slovenia but impressed off the bench against Denmark after Micah Richards called for him to replace Harry Kane in the second half.
As for Ezri Konsa, the second Villa player to receive a call-up, the talented defender is yet to play a single minute at Euro 2024, though that could be about to change.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is set to play at left-back for England at Euro 2024
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, Kieran Trippier – who started England’s opening three games at left-back – missed training on Friday as he’s nursing a calf injury and that has put him at risk of being left out against Slovakia.
Dorsett claims that while many believe Joe Gomez is the correct option to replace Trippier if he isn’t deemed fit, having played there at times for Liverpool last term, Konsa could be ‘first in line’ as a makeshift left-back.
If that is the case and Konsa does start on the left in Sunday’s clash, it would raise even more eyebrows at Southgate, who has come under severe scrutiny so far this tournament for his questionable team selection.
Gareth Southgate continuing to utilise Aston Villa players wrongly
Watkins has come under previous criticism for struggling in an England shirt but that is down to Southgate’s stale tactics rather than the player himself.
For Villa, the 28-year-old understands his role, playing in a set structure and dazzling when dropping back to create positive strings of play.
A similar narrative could unfold for Konsa if he is to start as a left-back ahead of Gomez.
The former Bournemouth titan has been transformed into an incredible player under Emery, with the Spaniard choosing to use him as a right-back ahead of Matty Cash or as a right-sided centre-half.
Konsa excelled in both positions last term, outranking Arsenal star William Saliba for the best tackle success rate while England teammate Bukayo Saka dubbed him the best one v one defender in the Premier League.
Southgate’s biggest criticism this tournament has been trying to shoehorn players into the starting XI in positions they are less familiar with such as Phil Foden as a left-winger.
To play Konsa as a left-back would put him at risk of facing even more scrutiny as it’s clear the Villa marvel is better in the centre or on the right.
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