Aston Villa defender looks set to start the biggest game of his career when England play against Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Aston Villa’s players have had a mixed bag of performances at Euro 2024 so far. John McGinn’s Scotland were knocked out of the group while Youri Tielemans failed to impress for Belgium, who were beaten by France in the last 16.
Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have also been on international duty with England, although they’ve rarely been used by Gareth Southgate.
Watkins only appearances at the tournament so far came in the 1-1 draw against Denmark. The Villa star came on as a second half substitiute and hasn’t been used since, with Ivan Toney the preferred option as England chased a late goal against Slovakia in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Konsa made his first appearance of the tournament in that clash. He was introduced in the second half of extra time to help the Three Lions see out a 2-1 win and is now expected to start against Switzerland.
Ezri Konsa set to play an unfamiliar role for England vs Switzerland
England have failed to get going at Euro 2024 and required a bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham in the dying embers to save them from elimination last time out.
Harry Kane then scored in extra time to send Southgate’s side through to the quarter finals, where they will be without the impressive Marc Guehi.
The Crystal Palace stalwart has impressed as a left centre-back alongside John Stones but faces suspension ahead of Switzerland after being booked against Slovakia.
This has opened the door for Konsa to make his first start of the tournament, with the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel suggesting England could switch to a back three, a change from their usual 4-3-3 formation system.
A switch to a three at the back system could see Bukayo Saka used as a left wing-back with Konsa on the left of a back three, a position he’s unfamiliar with.
Unai Emery mainly utilises Konsa on the right side of defence, either as a right-back or centre back, so to play as a left sided defender will be a test of his adaptability.
Ezri Konsa has the tools to adapt for England vs Switzerland
If Konsa is indeed fielded as a left-back or left-sided centre back against the Swiss, the 26-year-old does have the footballing toolkit to adapt to the situation.
Although he could be uncomfortable cutting in on his right foot, he did lead the charts for the best tackle success in the Premier League last term, while he’s regarded as the best defender Villa have.
Defensively, the former Brentford man is difficult to beat in one-on-one situations, so Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye – the two likely to play on the right for Switzerland – could struggle to get loose change out of him.
Indeed, Konsa is also supremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and when comparing him against defenders across Europe, he ranks in the top 11% for pass completion, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons.
A calming influence in possession and arguably better on the ball than Guehi, Konsa can seamlessly slot into the back three and finally show the world why he deserves to start for England regularly.
