25 November 2023 , 22:30
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Ezri Konsa's time with England WILL come - so says Aston Villa chief Unai Emery.
The big centre-half received his first call-up for the Three Lions during this month's international break but didn't get any game-time. England boss Gareth Southgate decided to stick instead with his tried and trusted options in the heart of his defence, rather than take a chance on the 26-year-old.
Konsa has had several public backings - not least from ex-Villa chief Dean Smith who believed an invitation from his country was long overdue. And Emery believes that now that Konsa has had a taste, he will be able to step up.
He said: “It was very good news for Ez - fantastic for him. It’s the first time he’s been called up but more will come from him. I have spoken to him since his return because the first squad is to show that you’re in. It’s normal. There are some players already in the starting XI, but this is the first step. I know that if he is playing like he has been, he will go more with the national team.”
Emery had a few minor injury headaches with which to contend when Villa’s players returned to their Bodymoor Heath training base. Chief among them was keeper Emi Martinez who is suffering ‘pain’ - but is carrying an injury about which Villa’s boss was unusually guarded during his pre-match briefing.
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But knocks to John McGinn, Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo are not serious and all three should be in contention for today’s trip to north London. Emery said: “When a team is successful, progressively getting better and we are increasing our level, the players are getting better too.
“We have more players in their national teams than we did one year ago. This is very positive for us. Of course, I prefer them to rest and be with us and not be at risk. But, of course, I’m very happy when they are called up.”
Plaudits are raining down on Emery following 13 successive home victories that have lifted Villa among the early-season frontrunners. If the club is to challenge, he needs to right the form away from Villa Park.
But Emery is too long in the tooth to get carried away - just yet - although his words did carry a hint of excitement at what could happen. He said: “One of the things I have learned in my career is to try and focus on each match.
“If you are thinking two months ahead about how you are going to be, you cannot know. How we do at Tottenham will determine what we are going to do next Thursday against Legia Warsaw and then the next match against Bournemouth.
“It may be different if we are successful in those matches. We are not contenders for the top seven but we want to be close to those teams - and if we are playing and progressing and growing like we are showing, it could be a very exciting season for us.”