One of my academy teammates was murdered and three are in jail – but I just made my England debut

Ezri Konsa, a defender for Aston Villa, made his first appearance for the England national team on Saturday evening in a match against Brazil, which ended in a 1-0 loss for the Three Lions.

The 26-year-old has consistently played in the center defensive position for Unai Emery’s team throughout this season. Konsa has participated in 37 matches in all competitions this season for the Villans.

His exceptional performances in the Claret and Blue team have earned him the opportunity to make his debut appearance for Gareth Southgate’s senior international team. The central defender substituted Kyle Walker, who was injured, in the first half of Saturday’s match at Wembley Stadium. Walker’s injury might potentially result in the Villa defender making his debut for England in Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium.

Konsa’s ascent has been extraordinary, beginning at Senrab FC, a Sunday League club located near West Ham United’s former Upton Park home, where they practice and compete. Previously, Tony Carroll, who was associated with Senrab for 25 years, disclosed the contrasting experiences of some of Konsa’s former teammates.

“One of the children who departed from our group was the victim of a homicide,” he disclosed to the Athletic in 2020. Two individuals have been convicted of murder, while another one has been convicted of rape. It is the urban area located within a city. Children are highly susceptible to external influences and have the potential to exhibit negative behavior.

“We had an additional juvenile player whose parents were both substance abusers.” He was on the brink of becoming a member of a gang and we were given a warning. Two weeks later, he engaged in a dispute during a training session and shortly thereafter arrived with approximately 30 acquaintances who pursued the other children in the park while brandishing knives and baseball bats.

“While it is possible for it to occur, individuals who possess discipline and come from well-raised families tend to maintain their well-being.”

“The locality in which I reside was characterized by a high level of violence and crime.” “Quite challenging,” Konsa himself stated. “I have heard numerous accounts of children being stabbed and similar incidents, so football has been extremely beneficial for me.”

The Villa defender is now in disbelief after making his debut at Wembley on Saturday night.

“It’s astonishing,” he remarked during the BBC Football Daily podcast when questioned about how his younger self might have responded to the news.

“Had someone informed me years ago, I would have vehemently denied their claim, but it has indeed transpired, leaving me utterly bewildered and unable to articulate my emotions.”

“There is no game more enjoyable to participate in, particularly when facing Brazil, a country with a rich history and exceptional players. It all came down to a single attack and a single opportunity, which is precisely what they are capable of.”

“The front four of their team possesses a significant amount of skill and talent, which is consistently evident. We observed their consistent display of quality and talent.”

Konsa has developed a strong interest in international football.

“I am extremely pleased with my debut and I hope that it is the first of many,” he added.

“Playing in a major tournament is a dream for every child, and it is also something I aspire to. To achieve this, I must continue to develop and acquire knowledge.” I have a strong desire to enhance my skills and I am hopeful that I will be selected to be part of the team traveling to Germany.

Konsa transferred to Villa from Brentford in a documented £12 million agreement in July 2019. He has subsequently made more than 170 appearances for the Villans.