England call-up for Konsa – and he’s quick to credit Charlton Athletic for their development role

Ezri Konsa has praised Charlton Athletic’s coaching after winning a call-up to England’s senior squad.

The 26-year-old joined the Addicks at the age of 11. He played 86 senior games for them before being sold to Brentford in June 2018.

Konsa, who signed for Aston Villa in July 2019, said: “At Charlton I developed a lot, great players and coaches around me. My time at Charlton, it really helped me, I had a lot of coaches who wanted to take me to the next level.”

The Three Lions play Malta tomorrow night in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Konsa has kicked on under Villa boss Unai Emery.

He said: “[Emery’s] CV speaks for itself, when we heard he was coming we were really excited, I knew I would develop under him.

“He has turned me into a man, into a leader. On the ball, being in the right positions, believing in myself and helping others around me.”