England starting verdict delivered on Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa ahead of Serbia Euro 2024 clash
Dan Bardell thinks Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa will only play for England at Euro 2024 if there is an issue with Kyle Walker.
The versatile defender, capable of playing at right-back or centre-back, made the Three Lions’ 26-man squad and there are issues over Gareth Southgate’s defence ahead of their opener with Serbia on Sunday (16 June).
Konsa featured heavily as a right-back ahead of Matty Cash at times this season as Unai Emery’s men qualified for the Champions League, despite his natural position being at centre-back.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell sees Konsa’s role for England in Germany being as Kyle Walker’s deputy ahead of the Three Lions’ opening game in Gelsenkirchen.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “There’s an argument for him to be in the team for certain. I think any centre-back, other than John Stones, you can’t definitively say that they should be playing.
“It is a precarious situation that England find themselves in with centre backs. The problem for Konsa is that he is a right centre-back and that’s where Stones plays.
“I see Konsa in that squad as a backup for Kyle Walker. I think if anything was to happen to him then Konsa would be the one to play right-back.
“It’s just great to see him in there. He’s had a brilliant 18 months, he’s taken advantage of absentees to get amongst the squad and in friendlies he’s got himself into the 26-man squad but I think it’s going to be a big leap for him to get into the starting XI.“
Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa at EURO 2024 with England
The 26-year-old has been exceptional for the Villans for years but especially under the tutelage of Unai Emery since his arrival.
He featured heavily under the Spaniard on the right of the defence to add solidity to a back line that was a great base for a Champions League qualification push.
Konsa has featured at centre and right back, which certainly makes him a useful asset for Southgate’s tournament squad this summer.
The centre of defence is an area that is particularly light for the England squad after Harry Maguire was left out due to injury.
The Three Lions boss will have a decision to make with the likes of Lewis Dunk and Marc Guehi in the squad, potentially ahead of Konsa in the pecking order.
If Bardell is right then there may be limited game time available for the Villa man but he will gain good experience nonetheless.
After the disappointment that John McGinn suffered against Germany (14 June), Villa fans will be hoping for better luck for Konsa.
In other Aston Villa news, approach made to sign Ian Maatsen as Monchi hailed for trying to strike transfer deal.
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