'I knew I had a lot to work on in my game.

The 26-year-old was part of the England under-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017 and won seven caps at under-21 level.īut he credited his improvement under Emery for finally getting a senior call-up. I'd rather be here anyway, so it's fine.' I think my missus was crying a little bit, she was more excited that me. 'It was a weird feeling, it didn't really sink in until I got home. 'I was driving home from the match on Sunday (Villa's 3-1 win against Fulham) and me and the missus were talking about having a little break, going away - and then two minutes later I ended up getting the call,' Konsa told a press conference. Konsa was a late call-up alongside Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis on Sunday, after James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson withdrew due to injury.

However, he had initially been overlooked again by England boss Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. Konsa has been a key part of Villa's rise under Unai Emery over the past year.

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