Ezri Konsa shines in England's quarter-final victory

As a result of Marc Guehi's suspension, Ezri Konsa was handed his first competitive start for England and he performed impeciably in England's Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Switzerland.

In a change of system by Gareth Southgate, Konsa played on the left side of a back three alongside John Stones and Kyle Walker. Being a right-footed player who has never played on the left hand side of the defence for his club there were many doubts before the game. However, Konsa showed what a class act he is and slotted into the team seamlessly under a huge amount of pressure.

The Villa man made several crucial blocks and a couple of goal saving headed clearances before leaving the game with ten minutes to go. Konsa also looked comfortable on the ball and threaded the ball through the lines nicely to get England up the pitch, perhaps a trait learnt from his Spanish partner at Villa, Pau Torres.

""Every part of his game was impressive. There was no panic in him, made blocks when he needed, he's strong, he's quick and he had a lot to deal with against a lively Switzerland front three""

- Danny Murphy

England progressed to the semi-finals of the competition thanks to a penalty shootout win. England certainly had their backs against the wall when Switzerland took the lead through Breel Embolo with just 15 minutes left to play. It was looking like a sorry exit from the tournament was on the cards and Gareth Southgate's 100th game in charge of the national team was going to be his last. However, Bukayo Saka saved the day for Southgate once more with England's first shot on target in the 80th minute. A wonderful piece of solo brilliance saw Saka cut in on his left foot and bend it into the far corner from the right hand side as he has done for his club Arsenal over and over again.

Extra-time saw both teams defending solidly to avoid defeat rather than any attacking intent to win the game and so penalties would follow. Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji saw his penalty saved by Jordan Pickford and with all five of England's penalty takers converting, that was enough to see England through. Trent Alexander-Arnold's winning penalty was followed by scenes of jubilation amongst the players, coaching staff and fans.

Southgate is likely to stick with the same system in the next round after a much improved performance from the team that seemed to suit the players. England looked more comfortable in and out of possession and had a greater sense of what the plan was. However, England will need to consider a couple of things. 1. How can they turn that into more efforts on the opposition's goal? 2. Will Konsa stay in the team or make way for Marc Guehi?

Both Konsa and Guehi have performed beyond many people's expectations during a time where it was England's defensive side to the game that had the supporters worried most. Now, with Guehi returning from suspension does he come back into the team or will Southgate reward Konsa for his flawless display?

Villa fans have known for a long time that Konsa is one of the best in his department in the Premier League and it is fantastic to see him showcase that on the world's stage. England have great options in defence but of course we would love to see Konsa retain his place in the team.

England will face the Netherlands in the semi-final after the Dutchmen came from behind to defeat a spirited Turkey side. The match will be on Wednesday evening at 8pm.

UTV