THREE LION WHIP
Emery tells Konsa: Be patient
EZRI KONSA’S time with England WILL come – so says Aston Villa chief Unai Emery.
The big centre-half received his first call-up for the Three Lions during this month’s international break but did not get any game time.
England boss Gareth Southgate decided to stick instead with his tried-andtrusted options in the heart of his defence, rather than take a chance on the 26-year-old.
And Emery believes that now Konsa has had a taste, he will be able to step up.
The Spaniard said: “It was very good news for Ez – fantastic for him.
“It’s the first time he’s been called up but more will come from him.
“I have spoken to him since his return because the first squad is to show that you’re in. It’s normal.
“There are some players already in the starting XI, but this is the first step.
“I know that if he is playing like he has been, he will go more with the national team.”
Emery had a few minor injury headaches with which to contend when Villa’s players returned to their Bodymoor Heath training base.
Chief among them was keeper Emi Martinez, who is suffering “pain” – but is carrying an injury about which Villa’s boss was unusually guarded during his pre-match briefing.
But knocks to John Mcginn, Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo are not serious and all three should be in contention for today’s trip to Tottenham.
Emery said: “When a team is successful, progressively getting better and we are increasing our level, the players are getting better too. “We have more players in their national teams than we did one year ago. This is very positive.” Plaudits are raining down on Emery following 13 straight home Premier League wins, with Villa among the early-season frontrunners. If the club is to challenge, he needs to right the form away from Villa Park Emery said: “We are not contenders for the top seven but we want to be close to those teams – and if we are playing and progressing and growing like we are showing, it could be a very exciting season.”