Ezri Konsa has revealed that England are looking to emulate Arsenal's set-piece prowess as they prepare for next year's World Cup. The Aston Villa defender, who scored his first international goal in September's 5-0 win over Serbia, believes set-pieces are becoming increasingly crucial in modern football.
Konsa highlighted Arsenal's success under Mikel Arteta, noting how the Gunners have become the Premier League's most feared team from free kicks, corners and long throws. He said: 'You look at Arsenal and see how many goals they have scored and how many points they've won from it. It does play a big part and it's a big part in the game.'
The 28-year-old credited Villa's set-piece coach Austin MacPhee for instilling a striker's mentality in him during attacking set-pieces. 'When I do get the opportunity to go out there, I do have to think like a striker,' Konsa explained. 'Our set piece coach at Aston Villa always says when we’re attacking corners and free-kicks to think like a striker.'
Konsa acknowledged the challenge of replicating club-level set-piece work with England due to limited training time, but stressed its importance. He also praised England boss Thomas Tuchel for showing trust in him, saying: 'To have a manager that shows trust and believes in you is always a special feeling and gives you so much confidence.'
