{"id":295252,"date":"2023-11-14T21:24:47","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T21:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=295252"},"modified":"2023-11-14T21:24:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T21:24:47","slug":"winter-sun-will-have-to-wait-for-ezri-konsa-as-he-looks-to-take-england-chance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/soccer\/winter-sun-will-have-to-wait-for-ezri-konsa-as-he-looks-to-take-england-chance\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter sun will have to wait for Ezri Konsa as he looks to take England chance"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ezri Konsa had to scrap plans for a winter getaway after his late call-up but the Aston Villa defender always believed it was a case of when rather than if his England chance would come.<\/p>\n

The talented 26-year-old has long been tipped for a senior call-up, only to once again miss out on a maiden call-up when the squad for the final Euro 2024 qualifiers was announced last Thursday.<\/p>\n

But an injury to Lewis Dunk opened up a last-minute spot in Gareth Southgate\u2019s set-up, leading to a surprise phone call after Villa\u2019s 3-1 victory against Fulham at the weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was literally driving home after my game on Sunday,\u201d Konsa said. \u201cMe and the missus were talking about having a little break, going away.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo minutes later I ended up getting the call. It was a weird feeling. It didn\u2019t really sink in until I got home.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe missus was crying a bit, she was more excited than me! I\u2019d rather be here anyway (than on holiday), so it\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

It has certainly been a whirlwind few days for a player whose belief has never wavered despite much-mooted England opportunities failing to materialise break after break.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a proud moment for me and my family,\u201d said Konsa, who was part of England\u2019s 2017 Under-20 World Cup win.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a dream come true, ever since I was a little kid I wanted to play for England so I\u2019m just grateful for the opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I had a lot to work on in my game, only recently in the last two seasons we have excelled at Villa and that part of it has helped me become the player I am today.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew my time would come. It was just a matter of when. I was patient and, as I said, me and my family are really happy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always believe in myself and always back myself and I am really enjoying my football now.\u201d<\/p>\n

From Charlton to Brentford and on to Villa, the defender has stepped up when he has needed to and is ready to do the same with England.<\/p>\n

Konsa could make his debut in the final Euro 2024 qualifiers at home to Malta or away in North Macedonia, giving him the chance to stake his claim for next year\u2019s finals.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah of course that is every player\u2019s target to want to go to a major tournament and play for your country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is definitely on my list and definitely something that I am planning on doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winning a cap is his first focus as Konsa looks to follow a star-studded group of graduates from Senrab \u2013 the well-known east London youth team, where coach Tony Caroll revealed he was nicknamed \u2018Little Rio\u2019.<\/p>\n

Konsa says Rio Ferdinand was one of the players he idolised, as was John Terry \u2013 a fellow ex-Senrab player that he loved growing up and learned a lot from during his time as Villa coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worked with him for two years and he really helped my game,\u201d Konsa said of \u201clegend\u201d Terry.<\/p>\n

\u201cI used to ask him a lot of questions on how he was able to maintain playing at such a high level and he gave me a lot of advice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took that on and it has definitely helped me get to where I am today.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he was in touch and he sent me a nice message.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe just said \u2018congratulations\u2019 and that I needed to enjoy it and be myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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