England star asks Prince William for a knighthood and reveals private texts with royal

Ezri Konsa has jokingly suggested that Prince William might award him a knighthood should England lift the World Cup. Konsa disclosed that he enjoys a texting relationship with royalty, following Prince William's trip to Istanbul to cheer on his beloved Aston Villa as they claimed Europa League glory.

Prince William reportedly refers to Konsa as a "Rolls-Royce" and is on first-name terms with the players, having celebrated their European triumph alongside them. When asked whether a knighthood from Prince William might be on the cards, Konsa laughed: "I hope so. That's the plan after the World Cup!

"Sometimes it's difficult because sometimes he would come into the dressing room just before we go out, and as players, you're in the moment.

"Obviously, you say 'Hi,' and be respectful but sometimes you don't realise how big of a person he is coming in. Some foreign players in our team don't really understand.

"For me, personally, it takes me a moment, maybe after the game or the next day and I'm like, wow, I've actually met him, shook his hand, he knows my name, calls me a Rolls Royce as well.

"For the club it's special. Supporting Aston Villa, it's not easy, but he's managed to do that for a long time, he's stuck by our side, supported us a lot, been to a lot of games, and to be able to celebrate that moment in Europa League final with him was special."

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Konsa believes that clinching the Europa League could prove beneficial for England, suggesting it will whet their appetite for further success. He added: "Of course, I think it can help. You come here bringing a winning mentality. For me personally, it was my first trophy, so this made me hungry for more.

"There are a lot of players in the team that have won many trophies that want to continue doing the same thing.

"As a nation we've been to finals, but we want to go that extra step and get it over the line and to have a lot winners in the team. I think that's really important."

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Konsa also revealed that training this week — despite the conditions — has been upbeat, with sessions set to music, while insisting the heat will be no obstacle.

However, Konsa confirmed that none of the players were responsible for selecting Luther Vandross, which was blaring out of the speakers, quipping: "Definitely not me!

"One of the physios loves music and he gave everyone a choice for a song to put on the playlist and each match day and each training day he comes out with the speaker and puts it on.

"Most of us as players come to America or a hot country for pre-season or a holiday. It is something I feel we are used to. We have two friendlies to build fitness and get the legs going again. Come the first game I'm sure we will be fine."

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