Levi Colwill will emerge as a rival for Harry Maguire’s England spot to link up with John Stones at the Euros after training with the first team… but must play regularly next season to be considered
- Maguire’s limited playing time at the Manchester United club could cost him dearly
- Colwill enjoyed a successful year on loan at Brighton but will return to Chelsea
- He trained with the England first team before joining the U21s
Levi Colwill is emerging as a rival for Harry Maguire’s role at the heart of England’s defense for next summer’s European Championships.
The Chelsea defender spent the week training with Gareth Southgate’s senior side at St George’s Park this week before joining the Under-21s for the Euros campaign in Romania and Georgia.
Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton, where he impressed as head coach Roberto De Zerbi developed one of the most attractive squads to watch in the Premier League.
And Southgate and his backroom team have named Colwill as a player they believe could enter England’s starting XI by the time Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany.
His dominance and ease of possession is seen as a major asset by the coaches given their philosophy of playing possession-based football. The fact that he is left-handed is also seen as an important weapon in bringing natural balance to the team.
Levi Colwill is emerging as a candidate to replace Harry Maguire at the England side
The Chelsea defender trained with the England first team before joining the U21 squad
Maguire, meanwhile, has found play at club level limited and it could cost him dearly at international level
John Stones, barring injury or a dramatic drop in form, is almost certain to start as centre-back for England next summer.
Maguire and Stones formed the defensive bedrock of England’s major progress under Southgate. But Manchester United skipper Maguire’s position in the England squad has been in question in recent months given his lack of playing time under Erik ten Hag.
Indeed, Southgate himself has admitted that his commitment to selecting Maguire “cannot last forever” if his peripheral role in club football continues.
Colwill enjoyed a successful season on loan at Brighton but will return to Chelsea this summer
The United defender is not pushing to leave this summer but is open to an opportunity to move to another club that can offer him regular top-flight football.
Tottenham and West Ham are among the teams considering moves for Maguire. Likewise, it is understood that Colwill’s chances of breaking into England’s starting XI in time for the Euros will hinge on whether the 20-year-old plays regularly in the Premier League next season.
Chelsea are adamant they want to keep Colwill next season. But there is no guarantee that he plays regularly under Mauricio Pochettino.
Brighton want to sign Colwill permanently and have already seen a £30million offer rejected. De Zerbi sees Colwill as a player who will be a regular starter in his team. Colwill is prioritizing playing time as he decides his future next season, knowing his level of playing time could be vital ahead of the Euros.
