Dean Smith: Ezri Konsa deserves England call-up
Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been backed for an England call-up by former boss Dean Smith.
Smith claims he is “amazed” the centre-back – who has made more than 140 appearances for Villa since joining in 2019 – has not yet been selected by Gareth Southgate.
“A big player I think, for Villa this season, is going to be Ezri Konsa,” said Smith.
“I am amazed he is not playing for England yet.
“He is a Rolls-Royce of a player. He made a big mistake against Newcastle for the second goal, but, boy, has he recovered from that. He is a top player.
“The fact that Steven Gerrard came in after me and kept playing him.
“They have brought in centre-halves since then as well, and now Unai keeps playing him as well. That’s a sign, for me, he is rated.”
