Leon Bailey speaks for all Aston Villa fans in five-word message to Ezri Konsa after World Cup debut

Leon Bailey was keen to heap the praise on Ezri Konsa after he made his World Cup debut in England's 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday.

The Aston Villa defender started alongside John Stones as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford got the goals to get the Three Lions off to the perfect start.

The 28-year-old will be disappointed to have conceded twice, but the result was ultimately a great one.

Konsa has been almost omnipresent for Villa in recent years, with talks to extend his contract past 2028 reportedly ongoing.

Centre-backs are in high demand this summer and the Villans will want to ensure that any interest in the Englishman is fought off.

Konsa may find his position under threat from Marc Guehi for England's second game against Ghana, although it may be Stones who misses out.

Leon Bailey sends heartfelt message to Ezri Konsa

Konsa's career began in South London with Charlton Athletic, where he emerged in 2016 and left to join Brentford in 2018.

Villa signed the defender, 21 at the time, from the Bees just one year later, after he had enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Championship.

Konsa has made at least 25 Premier League appearances in every Villa season since, establishing himself as a key cog in Unai Emery's backline.

Next season, the 28-year-old will reach 300 appearances as a Villa player, and he may well do so having just won the Europa League and the World Cup.

No player on the pitch completed more passes than Konsa on Wednesday, with the defender also making three recoveries, winning three duels and earning two free-kicks.

He took to Instagram after the game and wrote: "The start we wanted & a World Cup debut. Dream night in Dallas and something to build on".

Villa winger Bailey was likely speaking for all Villa fans when he responded: "Proud of you my brother".

Should Villa be worried about Konsa's future?

Konsa's performances will not have gone unnoticed elsewhere in the Premier League, and across Europe.

Clubs looking for centre-backs with experience and quality, such as Chelsea, may well eye a potential move for the 28-year-old this summer.

And with the Villans yet to agree a contract extension with him, they may have encouragement to do so.

Villa's strength in negotiations comes in their knowledge of Konsa's loyalty to the club he has been with for seven years now, however.

The centre-back has already achieved his dream of lifting a trophy for his team, and he will hope to do it for his country this summer.