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Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers were involved as England beat Serbia 2-0 in their last outing
Aston Villa pair Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers helped England beat Serbia 2-0 in their latest World Cup qualifying outing on Thursday night. It ended up being a relatively comfortable evening for the Three Lions at Wembley. Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze got their goals.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already booked their place at the World Cup next summer in USA, Canada and Mexico. They have been in impressive form recently and will be in confident mood. Next up is an away trip to Albania this weekend as they look to keep their momentum going.
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa shines for England
Aston Villa defender Konsa has become a key player for England over recent times. The 28-year-old, who can play right-back as well as centre-back if needed, has made 14 caps so far in his career. Prior to his switch to Villa Park, he spent time in London with Charlton Athletic and Brentford.
He caught the eye against Serbia for the Three Lions and Sky Sports delivered this verdict on his performance: “You can't play brave football without brave defenders. And there is a quiet assurance about Ezri Konsa in that regard.
“The Aston Villa defender gave a performance that spoke volumes about why Tuchel's high-line blueprint can work a charm at international level. Composed on the ball, ice-cool under pressure and blessed with recovery pace that simply erases mistakes, Konsa looked like the modern defender England have been crying out for. Dusan Vlahovic is a powerful runner, capable of bullying any centre-back in the world but Konsa handled him without breaking much sweat. 8/10.”
BBC Sport gave him a slightly lower rating though and had this to say: “Just like the rest of the England back four, it was an easy night for Konsa. Good on the ball and kept it moving as he started attacks from the back. Only one counter-attack looked to cause him trouble. 6/10.”
Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers struggles for England
Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers is another active member of England’s squad. The 23-year-old has played nine times for his country now to date. He joined Unai Emery’s side back in January 2024 from Middlesbrough and has since scored 18 goals in 86 games.
ESPN believe he struggled to get into the match against Serbia: “Rogers really failed to get going in a game where he was given the nod ahead of star man Jude Bellingham in the No. 10 role by Tuchel. Outside of a few sharp moments and forward passes, the Villa midfielder couldn't put his stamp on the game and slipped in the box when presented with his only relatively clear-cut opportunity before being taken off for Bellingham after the hour mark. 6/10.”
Meanwhile, the Independent ranked him just a 5/10 after his tough evening: “Sent a header just wide in an otherwise quiet display. Did he do enough to keep Bellingham out of the team for Sunday’s match in Albania? 5/10.”
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