Ezri Konsa shows his true colours as 'incredible' Aston Villa man gives Gareth Southgate a problem
The Villa centre-back won plenty of acclaim as the Three Lions booked their place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals
Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa played an integral role as England secured their place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals with a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland.
Gareth Southgate's side had fallen behind when Breel Embolo scored with around 15 minutes remaining. But Bukayo Saka equalised with an excellent finish before the game headed to extra time and then penalties. England scored with every spot-kick with Trent Alexander-Arnold securing a showdown against the Netherlands with Manuel Akanji missing for Switzerland.
But Konsa's display won plenty of acclaim from supporters and the media with the Villa defender having stepped into the side in place of Marc Guehi who was suspended. And he had an excellent game in the heart of the defence alongside John Stones. Here's what the pundits had to say and how the national media rated Konsa's performance.
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What the pundits said
Henry Winter: "Ezri Konsa outstanding #ENGSUI. Gareth Southgate now has an interesting call to make for #EURO2024 semi. Marc Guehi, superb in first 4 games, available after suspension. Good to have such strong choices. And salute to @CharltonAcademy coaches for their development work with Konsa."
Micah Richards: "Can you control your nerves? Can you do the basics very well? He has done all of these things. I just think his overall game has been fantastic. He has been excellent, he really has.”
Danny Murphy: "This was an incredible performance from a player who's hardly played in weeks. I mean to be physically right up for it, aggressive, quick, strong with his defending up against a difficult opponent in Embolo, generally patient as well and not too erratic at any time. I mean to deal with that mentally as well and to come in when the lads are under some criticism, it's like he didn't even think about it. He just took his chance and every part of his game was impressive. There was there was no panic in him."
Impressive stats
78 minutes played
98% passing accuracy (46/47)
61 touches
2 accurate long balls (67%)
2 blocks
7 clearances
2 headed clearances
11 defensive actions
1 recovery
100% ground duels won (4/4)
Media ratings
Daily Telegraph: The Aston Villa defender stepped in for the suspended Marc Guehi and barely put a foot wrong before Ndoye’s cross for Embolo went through his legs. 7/10
Guardian: "Blocks, interceptions, reading the runs of Rieder. Initially looked expert on the left. More difficult moments after the break. 6/10
Daily Star: "There were big boots to fill for Konsa, who had been called up by Southgate after Marc Guehi was banned for the clash, the Aston Villa star looked right at home in the defence. 6/10
iNews: "Calm and composed when thrown in at the deep end, making some crucial interceptions. Sacrificed as England pushed on but can be pleased with showing. 7/10
What did you make of Konsa's performance? Have your say HERE.
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