Ezri Konsa has revealed that England have not watched any footage of Argentina's matches ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash in Atlanta on Tuesday. The Aston Villa defender, who has started all six of England's games at the tournament, admitted the team is yet to analyze their opponents but plans to do so before kick-off.
England's preparation strategy
Speaking to reporters, Konsa said: "We haven't managed to watch any of their games. I'm sure, when we have the meeting tonight or tomorrow, we'll see some clips of them and see what we can do to overcome them." Argentina have played dramatic knockout matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland, with Lionel Messi playing a key role in each victory.
Konsa also emphasized England's mental strength, adding: "I'm sure they've got a great mindset, great mentality, and so do we." The defender is expected to continue in an unfamiliar right-back role, having played there against Norway, despite being a centre-half for Aston Villa.
Versatility and facing Martinez
Konsa expressed comfort with the positional change: "It's a position that I'm very familiar with. I've always said wherever the manager wants me to be, I'll always do my best and I feel comfortable there whether it's centre back or right back. So we'll have to wait and see tomorrow if I'm doing the same role."
He also addressed facing Aston Villa teammate Emiliano Martinez, Argentina's goalkeeper: "He is a fantastic keeper, great keeper. I have played alongside him for many years, his mentality and the way he wants to win, I have learned some things from him from my time at Villa, so it will be nice to see him tomorrow. Everyone knows Emi Martinez, we know what he's about and know what he can do so we will be ready."
Konsa concluded: "I haven't had the chance to speak to him, I'm sure when I see him tomorrow it will be nice to see him again after a long time. Once we get on that pitch, there's no friends."
