It’s finally happened, Ezri Konsa earned his debut England cap on Saturday after years of strong performances for Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old was called up to Gareth Southgate’s last England squad before the turn of the year, but he didn’t earn any minutes.
When he was on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley on Saturday, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if some Aston Villa fans felt he was going down the same road again of just not playing.
But early in the first half, Kyle Walker picked up an injury and had to be subbed, with the England boss calling upon Ezri Konsa to play at right-back.
Under Unai Emery, the versatile star has deployed that role on many occasions and produced many strong performances.
But the player himself admitted that when Gareth Southgate called him up, at right-back and against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, it left him ‘shocked’, as he told talkSPORT.
Yes, England lost the game, with teenager Endrick stealing the headlines, but it was still a strong performance from Ezri Konsa.
Ezri Konsa’s England debut
“I was shocked,” said Konsa. “I wasn’t expecting to come on that early or come on at all.
“It’s every kid’s dream to play for their country and that has happened to me. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family, especially to play against such a historic country and against Brazil.”
England v Belgium
It’s another friendly game, but another chance for Konsa to impress, but you feel Ollie Watkins’ chance has passed.
Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire have pulled out of the squad with injuries, so it increases Konsa’s chances of earning his first start against Belgium on Tuesday.
Youri Tielemans will be on the other side – he captained his country during their goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland last time out.
So, once again, a few familiar faces associated with Villa will be coming up against one another.
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