England Defender Set for Debut Against Albania After Konsa Injury
England’s World Cup qualifier set against Albania will see a change in the lineup due to injuries. Defender Ezri Konsa has been ruled out after suffering a calf injury. The Aston Villa player was a key figure in England’s prior matches, starting the last four games.
Injury Updates and Squad Changes
Konsa remained in London for treatment while the team traveled to Tirana. His absence follows that of Marc Guehi, further impacting the defensive lineup. This situation opens the door for Jarell Quansah to potentially make his debut or for Trevoh Chalobah to earn his second cap.
Manager’s Remarks
England manager Thomas Tuchel addressed the situation, noting, “Everyone was in training except Ezri Konsa who felt a tightness in the calf.” Tuchel plans to consult with players on their readiness ahead of the match. He has yet to finalize the starting lineup as they aim for their eighth consecutive win in qualifiers.
Team Performance and Strategy
England has maintained an impressive defensive record, having not conceded a goal during the qualifying rounds. Tuchel emphasized that the injuries should not be regarded as excuses, stating, “We have strong enough players.” He highlighted the team’s solid structure, developed over the last three camps, as a crucial factor in coping with these setbacks.
- Key Injuries: Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi
- Potential Debut: Jarell Quansah
- Second Cap Opportunity: Trevoh Chalobah
Focus on the Upcoming Match
Despite the challenges, Tuchel and his squad are focused on the upcoming game against Albania. He noted that discussions about achieving a 100% record in the qualifiers have not taken place. What matters most, according to Tuchel, is the players’ readiness to perform on the pitch.
As the squad prepares for this critical match, the emphasis remains on maintaining their current form and ensuring the foundation is set for continued success.
