LAND OF THE FREE-KICK

...and corners and throw-ins as Konsa says Lions will follow the Arsenal way and be dead-ball wizards in America

- BY JOHN CROSS

EZRI KONSA says England are ready to take a leaf out of Arsenal's book to become set-piece kings.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made his side the most feared team in the Premier League when it comes to scoring from free-kicks, corners and even long throws.

Aston Villa defender Konsa already works on set-pieces with his club's specialist coach Austin MacPhee and scored his first goal for England in the 5-0 win in Serbia in September.

The centre-back believes the emphasis on set-pieces is going to become part of the international game and also says England can make the most of it at next year's World Cup in North America.

Konsa (above) said: "This season you have seen a lot more long throw-ins, Brentford being one team that do it really well, and it is difficult to defend.

"Now there's a lot more physicality and you do have to be strong. You do have to have physicality in the team because if not, you are going to struggle.