Gerrard: Ezri has chance for Lions
STEVEN GERRARD has urged Ezri Konsa to play the waiting game if he is serious about appearing for England.
Aston Villa’s boss says he will not be pushing his highlyrated centre-half into the arms of Portugal at the Three Lions’ expense as the 24-year-old weighs up his international options.
Konsa qualifies for both and has already played for England at Under-21s level but, with the World Cup now on the horizon later this year, the defender could throw in his lot with the Portuguese.
Gerrard (below) says he wants to support England boss Gareth Southgate and has urged his player not to commit himself too soon.
He said: “I won’t be pushing Ezri away from England, that’s for sure.
“I’m English, I’m passionate about the national team. I want to provide as much support Gareth as I can. I certainly won’t be doing anything to push Ezri away from playing for our country.
“At the same time, every player needs to make decisions for their own careers.
“I think it all boils down to whether they see a pathway.
“Has Gareth spoken to Ezri and assured him if he plays well enough, consistently enough, that there’s an opportunity down the line?
“It boils down to a lot of things that may or may not be happening.
“The important thing is that he remains consistent for Villa and everything will take care of itself.
“If he has a conversation with Gareth, I’m sure that he will be told that there are eyes on him.
“If there’s an area of the England team where, in my own personal opinion, there might be an opportunity, then centre-half would be one of those areas.
“If I were in Ezri’s shoes, I wouldn’t be doing anything hasty.”