England defender Ezri Konsa insists the Three Lions are capable of overcoming the challenges and various hurdles that stand in their way against Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16, especially the altitude.
Ezri Konsa backs England to be heroes against Mexico at Azteca
Ezri Konsa insisted England’s defense was good enough to nullify Mexico’s ferocious attack despite another shaky display against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The charming co-hosts scored eight goals without conceding in four World Cup matches.
But Konsa wants the Three Lions to accept their status as underdogs and is fully committed to the challenge at the Estadio Azteca, one of football’s great cathedrals.
Asked if England could stop El Tri’s strong front line, he said: “Yes, we are definitely ready. We have enough at the back to stop the counterattack.
“We’ve got good pace, we’ve got strength at the back. Look, they’re doing well, but we’re here to pull off an upset and win the game on Sunday.
“I have a great relationship with my back Marc (Guehi) and I enjoy every moment no matter who I play with.
“I thought we were a little too exposed at the back in the last game against Panama, but I thought we controlled that today.
“They had a chance to take a 2-0 lead in the first half when (Yoan) Ouissa hit the post.
“But there are always things to improve on and I’m sure that’s what we’re trying to do going into this weekend’s game.”
Meanwhile, Konsa knows England have the firepower to do serious damage.
Mexico’s attack has been in brilliant form at this World Cup.
That’s especially thanks to prolific marksman and captain Harry Kane, who has surpassed the great Pele (12) in goals scored at the World Cup (currently 13).
The 86th-minute thunderbolt that broke the hearts of the Democratic Republic of Congo was their 20th shot in a major competition.
The Aston Villa centre-back continued: “Of course it’s like Argentina with (Lionel) Messi and Harry Kane here has that.”
“We know his quality. We know how many games he can score. That’s his job, that’s his job. He loves to score goals and we love to see him score goals.”
He added of Kane’s emotional post-match gathering: “He just told us to enjoy the moment.
“We had to go all out today and that’s what we did. To enjoy and celebrate this moment.”
Harry Kane was England’s trump card as they beat Democratic Republic of the Congo with two goals (Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
However, the ball game is different in Mexico due to the altitude (Aztec is 2240 meters above sea level).
Despite this obstacle, which manager Thomas Tuchel described as a clear “disadvantage”, Konsa believes a place in the quarter-finals is well within reach.
He said: “We’ve done some work on that so we’ll be ready for Sunday’s game.
“They’re playing at home in front of a crowd. We know how difficult it’s going to be with fans behind us. But like I said, we’re going to be prepared and be there to pull the upset.”
Some of England’s star players had hyperbaric chambers set up in their homes for oxygen therapy.
Konsa is not one of them, explaining, “Everyone has their own personality.Everyone is different.The way they deal with the heat is also different.”
“We’ve done that here, we’ve worked on it before, and we’ll be fine. We’re going into the game with confidence and we’re ready.”
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