BBC pundit feels sorry for Ezri Konsa after Aston Villa player development

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…

Ezri Konsa will be gutted to have not made his England debut in this international break, according to Alan Hutton.

The 26-year-old defender was called up to the Three Lions squad for the first time for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia but despite neither game meaning anything to the Euro 2020 runners-up, the Aston Villa man didn't play.

Instead of playing Konsa against the two lesser European teams, Gareth Southgate opted to play Marc Guehi and the ever-unimpressive Harry Maguire in both games, failing to substitute either off.

Southgate also used just four out of the five substitutes he was able to use in Skopje on Monday night (20 November).

When asked if he was disappointed by Konsa not getting an appearance in either game, Hutton told Villa News: "Yes, I was.

"For Ezri Konsa, he's gone under the radar a bit at Villa but his performances have really shone through and I think he really deserved that opportunity. As well, there's a chance for him to play for England.

"We know what Harry Maguire can do, he plays all the time; surely there was an opportunity there for Southgate to have a look at Konsa.

"It's fine for Southgate to watch Konsa play for Aston Villa but you need to see him within your national team. He should've had a chance and I do feel for him."

Konsa has played every minute of every Premier League game for the Villans so far this season, helping Unai Emery's side go into the November international break in fifth position.

In other Aston Villa news, the club has been told to sign a new striker as concerns about Ollie Watkins emerge.