'EZRI'S A WINNER...HE WON'T BE FAZED'

DEFENDER'S FORMER COACHES AT CHARLTON BACK HIM TO ANSWER CALL

- Dan Kilpatrick

LONDONER Ezri Konsa has been backed to seamlessly step into England’s defence for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

The Newham-born centre-half is in line to replace the suspended Marc Guehi here, with manager Gareth Southgate set to switch to a back-three for his 100th game in charge of England.

Konsa, 26, came through the ranks at Charlton and spent a season with Brentford before joining Aston Villa, where he has excelled in the top flight under Unai Emery.

“Ezri has coped with every challenge at club and international level,” Charlton’s academy director Steve Avory told Standard Sport.

“Of course, the adrenaline will flow should he start the game, but he is a calm and confident individual and a winner.

“I saw that not too long ago, having to cope against Vinicius Jr and Jeremy Doku [in England’s March friendlies].

“He is a player in form after such a good season at Villa, and good form breeds confidence.