Aston Villa boss Smith tips Konsa, Watkins for England | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says he has several potential England internationals in his squad.

England manager Southgate was in the stands to see Villa kick off their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 home win over Sheffield United.

Three Lions newboy Jack Grealish captained the hosts and international team-mate Tyrone Mings marshalled the defence fresh from also penning a new deal.

Former England U21 defender Ezri Konsa headed a second half winner after new record £28million striker Ollie Watkins got John Egan sent off early on.

They were some of six Englishmen starting for Villa as Smith claimed there would be plenty of talent to keep Southgate coming back.

“I am sure there will be," insisted Smith. “Jack got his debut recently and Tyrone has been in the squad.

“Ezri Konsa has been in the junior ages and I thought he will have caught Gareth's eye as well.

“I thought Ezri was outstanding and the mainstay of our defence.

“Tyrone has just signed a new contract and I think he might have been on a heading bonus the amount he won.

“Ollie Watkins as well is another one who will certainly want to make an improvement to get recognised by the international manager.

“Hopefully he can do that."