Ezri Konza: England players' families and kids hit by beer cups 'from all angles'

Ezri Konsa has revealed his brother and several other players' families were caught in the crossfire as angry England fans threw beer cups in frustration following the goalless draw with Slovenia.

While a couple of plastic cups were aimed in the direction of manager Gareth Southgate as he applauded supporters after the Euro 2024 stalemate, more were hurled around the stands at RheinEnergieStadion.

A number of the players' friends and family were seated in the same area and were hit as drinks flew around the section in reaction to another dour display from England - who topped Group C with five points but managed just two goals in the process.

Asked if the squad had spoken about Southgate being targeted, Aston Villa defender Konsa replied: "We haven't spoken about it.

There's kids in the stands with family so we always have to check on them, reassure them and ask if they're all right

"We were aware of it because I think some of our family members got hit with a few drinks. We were aware but we haven't spoken about it as players.

"We check on them. There's kids in the stands with family so we always have to check on them, reassure them and ask if they're all right.

"We know that in football stuff like that happen. We try not to think about it too much so we move on.

"My brother was hit, a few others. But we haven't spoken about it too much and there's not much we can do about it.

"I spoke to him after, I asked him and how he was and he said he was fine. It was to the right (of the stadium), it wasn't directly behind the goal, but it was coming from all angles."

Konsa has yet to appear in Germany having made the cut for Southgate's 26-man squad.

The 26-year-old, though, has been playing a pivotal role in keeping spirits up as England now prepare for their last-16 game against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

"I just try to keep the spirits as high as possible," he said. "We have a big game on Sunday so it is important to make the players feel happy - that's what I try to do. It's just how I am, no matter where I am, club or country. I'm always just the joker."

It is not just Konsa keeping his team-mates entertained as he admitted he hosts nightly Love Island viewings in camp after the squad have watched the other Euro 2024 fixtures.

One thing that has yet to make it onto the television screens at the England base are the General Election debates.

The players, however, will be able to vote on July 4 should they still be in Germany preparing for a quarter-final against Italy or Switzerland.

The Football Association reportedly contacted players' representatives to instruct them on how to apply to vote by post or proxy - although the FA has not put pressure on their players to vote.

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