Ezri Konsa still does Aston Villa proud despite split English media in World Cup thriller vs Mexico

Ezri Konsa had to be everywhere as England roared past Mexico to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Every England supporter will be waking up, or indeed going to bed, on Monday morning on a high to rival the Azteca Stadium's 2,240 metres above sea level altitude.

Prior to the World Cup round-of-16 clash, Mexico had lost just two of their 89 competitive matches at their nation's iconic footballing amphitheatre, but now they will have to make that three.

Jude Bellingham scored twice in two first-half minutes to give England a 2-0 lead with 38 minutes on the clock, before Julian Quinones got one back just before half-time.

Jarrell Quansah was shown a straight red card 10 minutes into the second half, however, making England's task of holding on that much harder, but hold on they did.

Harry Kane and Raul Jimenez then both scored from the spot, but the co-hosts weren't able to breach the Three Lions' stoic defensive wall, with Konsa playing the full 90 minutes in this historic 3-2 England win.

Ezri Konsa's England showing vs Mexico draws divided media response

Konsa may be an uber-consistent performer for Aston Villa, but that's not always been the case for him when representing England.

Sure, he's had more good performances than poor ones, but even in this World Cup the Villa man has shown some consistency issues.

Indeed, he didn't enjoy a great night in England's opening group stage game against Croatia, and against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning, the same sentiment can be applied.

Konsa's performance did split opinion among the English media though, with some viewing his display as an inspired defensive offering, whilst others weren't sold.

The Sun said: "Made plenty of blocks and clearances at the back for England and dealt well with Jimenez for the most part, stepped up particularly well at right-back when England went down to 10 men. Very strong in the air. Eight."

Meanwhile, The Mirror went with: "Another shaky game in central defence and was then switched to right back to hold fort. Seven."

BBC Sport wrote: "A testing evening for Konsa and the whole England backline with all the drama in the game. It was Konsa's attempted clearance from a free-kick which fell to Julian Quinones for him to score as he gave Mexico a route back into the match - but the Aston Villa defender provided crucial clearances as England ground out a win. Seven."

The Standard were among Konsa's lowest reviewers, summarising: "Defended well. Slightly unfortunate that his clearance off the line in the first half fell the way of Quinones to batter home. Six."

The Independent also gave Konsa a six, writing: "Ball bounced off his heels to tee up Julian Quinones for Mexico’s goal, but did well shifting to right-back in the second half."

Konsa at heart of Mexico's opening goal vs England

Konsa has played every single minute of England's World Cup campaign so far this summer, and that didn't change at the Azteca.

If Tuchel's side were going to come through this task with a ticket to the quarter-finals, they knew it was going to take some heroic performances across the pitch.

However, it was Konsa's touch that handed Mexico a route back into the game after Bellingham's double, with the Villa defender putting his body on the line to attempt a clearance of the wonderful first cross.

A dangerous ball was delivered into England's six-yard box and right to where Konsa was standing in front of his man, and all he could do was touch it backwards, rather than risk an own goal.

This was punished, as Quinones lashed the ball past Jordan Pickford from nine yards out, in what was undoubtedly a moment Konsa will be thinking about, showing his ultimate professionalism.

But, this moment aside, the 28-year-old did play a big part in helping his team earn a famous win in Mexico City.

As per FotMob, Konsa's eight defensive contributions against Mexico were the joint-most of any player on the pitch, whilst he also completed 93 per cent of his passes and played two balls into the final third.

He was also accurate with his single long ball attempt, wasn't dispossessed once, made six clearances and two blocks respectively.

Konsa won all three of his ground duels and didn't commit a single foul in the game, whilst also winning three fouls of his own.

There were always going to be shaky moments in such a hostile environment, but Konsa certainly did Aston Villa proud.