Ezri Konsa says he is targeting a place at Euro 2024 after being called up to the England squad for the first time.
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and John Stones of Manchester City had already dropped out of the squad for games against Malta and North Macedonia when Konsa was given his maiden England call-up on Monday.
Tuesday saw Levi Colwill leave the squad through injury too, meaning Gareth Southgate’s injury-hit squad is left with just Harry Maguire, Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi and Konsa at centre-back.
When asked whether Euro 2024 selection was his goal, Aston Villa ace Konsa, 26, said: “Yeah, of course. I think that’s every player’s target. That’s definitely something I plan on doing.
“It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. It’s a dream come true. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve wanted to play for England. It’s crazy, a surreal moment. Words can’t describe how I feel right now.
“In the last two years, we’ve been excellent at Villa, and it’s helped get me where I am today. I’ve always backed myself. I’m really enjoying my football at the moment and the rest is taking care of itself.”
Konsa, who won the Under-20 World Cup with England in 2017, spent three years being coached by John Terry when Dean Smith was Villa manager between 2018 and 2021.
After receiving a message of congratulations from the former Chelsea captain, Konsa added: “It means a lot coming from a legend like John Terry. I worked with him for two years and I asked him a lot about my game. He gave me a lot of advice and it’s helped me get to where I am today.
“It wasn’t easy growing up in Newham, but having an older brother really helped me. He kept me grounded and humble. My brother helped me, telling me education was really important. Growing up in Newham, there was a lot of crime. Having a supportive family helped me get where I am today.”
Konsa spent a short spell at non-league in his youth days before switching to Charlton’s academy, the club at which he made his senior debut in 2016.
“I was only with Senrab for about six months, and then went to Charlton," he continued. "That’s where I developed a lot, had great coaches and players around me who have gone on to do good things, and I think it really helped me. I had coaches who wanted to guide me and take me to the next level.
“Then I moved to Brentford for a season with Dean Smith in the Championship, really enjoyed it, and he took me to Aston Villa. I’m grateful for everything that’s happened.”
Asked what advice Southgate has had for him since arriving at England’s St George’s Park training base, Konsa replied: “He said, ‘Well done, enjoy it, and hopefully you’ll get a chance’.”
