Aston Villa: Dan Bardell thrilled at ‘surprise’ Ezri Konsa England development
Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa playing extensively for England during the international break came as a “surprise” for Dan Bardell.
The 26-year-old came off the bench to make his debut for the Three Lions in the 1-0 defeat against Brazil on 23 March.
Gareth Southgate then handed the Villa defender his first start in the 2-2 draw with Belgium on 26 March, where he played the entire game at right-back at Wembley.
Bardell didn’t expect Konsa to feature so heavily after failing to play any minutes in the November international break, but he thought the Villans man acquitted himself really well across the two games.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I was really pleased for him. I think he definitely deserved it after his form over the last year.
“He probably deserved some minutes in the last international break before Christmas.
“The fact he was the only outfield player who didn’t play in those games makes it more of a surprise that he played so many minutes this time around.
“I think the fact so many right-backs were missing across the England squad has probably played into his hands a little bit.
“What an occasion for him to be making your debut at Wembley and marking one of the best left-wingers in the world.
“He acquitted himself really well and I was really pleased for him.”
Could Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa make the England Euros squad?
The big question now for Konsa is whether or not he can make the England squad for the upcoming European Championships after making his debut.
As Bardell points out, the defender played well across the course of the two matches and will have done his chances of being included no harm.
He will now just be focusing on continuing to play well for Villa in their bid to qualify for the Champions League this season in the hope that will be enough to catch Southgate’s eye.
In other Aston Villa news, a journalist has reacted as a Villa flop is closing in on a £4million exit.
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