UEFA Nations League

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Nations League | League B

Nov 17, 2024 at 5pm UK

Wembley Stadium

England
vs.
Rep. Ireland

Ezri Konsa out of England squad: Who will replace Aston Villa man against Ireland?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

Published: November 16 2024 | 16:11

Withdrawal number 10: England defender ruled out of Ireland clash

England interim head coach Lee Carsley confirms that Ezri Konsa has withdrawn from the squad ahead of Sunday's clash with the Republic of Ireland due to injury.

England interim head coach Lee Carsley has confirmed that Ezri Konsa has withdrawn from the squad ahead of Sunday's UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland due to injury.

The Aston Villa defender started Thursday's 3-0 win over Greece but had to be taken off at half time in Athens, and Carsley confirmed after the game that his withdrawal was enforced.

Konsa was revealed to have hurt his hip, and the versatile defender was immediately sent for scans after being replaced by debutant Lewis Hall for the second 45 minutes of Thursday's triumph.

The 27-year-old was always considered unlikely to face Ireland on Sunday after his match against Greece was cut short, and Carsley announced to the media in Saturday's pre-game press conference that he had been sent back to Villa Park.

"He's been assessed by the medical team. The scan results are back, & now he'll go back to Villa this afternoon," Carsley said. "Like I said, we won't take any risk of any of the players. Apart from Ezri we're in good condition."

Konsa is now the 10th player to pull out of the England squad since Carsley named his final selection, with Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Trent Alexander-Arnold all withdrawing earlier in the week.

England manager Lee Carsley pictured on October 10, 2024 © Imago

The Three Lions also lost Jarrad Branthwaite - who was called up to cover some of the absences - to injury after adding him to the ranks, which saw Jarell Quansah join up with the seniors instead.

Who could replace Konsa for Ireland clash?

Liverpool starlet Quansah is one of two players who could step in as a like-for-like replacement for Konsa on Sunday, alongside another uncapped centre-back in Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Neither man was considered for any minutes in the win over Greece, though; instead, Carsley brought on Hall at left-back, switched Rico Lewis to the right-hand side and moved Kyle Walker centrally.

The 50-year-old could alternatively adopt a similar approach for the visit of Ireland, partnering Walker with Marc Guehi in the centre and starting either Lewis or the uncapped Tino Livramento at right-back.

Either way, the signs are promising for at least one of Harwood-Bellis, Quansah or Livramento as they endeavour to earn their senior international debuts on Sunday, where a victory will confirm England's promotion to League A as League B Group 2 winners.

The Three Lions are level on 12 points with recent foes Greece, but they lead the Euro 2004 winners in the standings thanks to their superior head-to-head goal difference.