Aston Villa supporters were granted their wish as Ezri Konsa made his full debut for England at Euro 2024 and two key statistics now show why he shouldn’t be dropped.
He waited patiently but Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa finally got his starting chance for England at Euro 2024 and it’s an opportunity he took.
England scraped through to the semi-finals by the skin of their teeth, beating Switzerland on penalties, while Konsa was showered with praise for his performance.
The 26-year-old was outstanding on the night in the biggest game of his life as his calming presence radiated throughout the entire squad.
Konsa put in a display that Villa supporters have grown used to seeing, as he made some vital headed clearances and was near faultless in possession, completing 47 of his 48 passes.
In natural circumstances, the English titan would have made himself undroppable however, with Marc Guehi returning for the semi-final against the Netherlands, Gareth Southgate has a huge decision to make.
The two statistics that show why Ezri Konsa should start over Marc Guehi
England have struggled to get going in this tournament and for much of their game against Switzerland, the Three Lions were devoid of intensity and energy in the final third.
One player who can hold his head high, though, is Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi, who started every game before the suspension he picked up against Slovakia.
That enabled Konsa to start against the Swiss but given how good Guehi has been, Southgate is now left with a selection headache.
Realistically, it’s between the aforementioned duo for that final spot in defence, as John Stones is never going to get dropped, and neither is Kyle Walker if England play a back three.
It’s a close call and reasons can be made for both players however, two key statistics could just swing the decision in Konsa’s favour.
As per Aston Villa Statto, the former Brentford man has the highest pass completion rate in the England squad, of any player who has made 50+ passes, while he’s also made more blocks per 90 (1.9) and clearances (6.8) than any of his teammates.
Konsa has made quite the impression in his two appearances at Euro 2024 and it would be criminal to drop him for the semi-final.
How Ezri Konsa compares to Marc Guehi
To dissect the decision awaiting Southgate even further, it’s best to take a look at how they ranked against each other across the Premier League campaign in 2023/24, as ultimately, that’s how they earned a place in Germany.
| Premier League 2023/24 statistics | Ezri Konsa | Marc Guehi |
| Tackles | 1.58 | 1.25 |
| Interceptions | 0.82 | 0.80 |
| Blocks | 1.06 | 0.98 |
| Aerials won % | 68.2% | 50% |
| Progressive passes | 3.99 | 2.98 |
| Progressive carries | 1.09 | 0.67 |
| Successful take-ons | 0.56 | 0.31 |
| Shot creating actions | 1.00 | 0.98 |
As delineated by the above table, Konsa beats Guehi in every single department, showing he is the superior option to play that semi-final clash and the final – if England get there.
There’s no doubt that Guehi has been a standout player for the Three Lions but the Aston Villa stalwart reached even greater levels on Saturday night, with the statistics now reinforcing why he shouldn’t be dropped.
