Levi Colwill has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time ahead of matches against Scotland and Ukraine.
The Chelsea defender spent time training with the senior side earlier this summer before starring in England’s Under-21s European Championship win.
The 20-year-old defender signed a new deal with Chelsea after interest from Brighton, following conversations with Mauricio Pochettino and admitted he has ambitions to make the squad for the European Championships in 2024.
Colwill noted earlier this summer: “Going and joining England to train was a big thing for me. It kind of shows nothing you do goes unnoticed. Going there and being with some of the best players in the world. I have to keep pushing because anything can happen. That’s what it’s like. Hopefully I am there.”
There would have been a scare for Gareth Southgate on Wednesday night when Colwill was substituted against AFC Wimbledon after going down at Stamford Bridge. Pochettino allayed any fears, however, and said he would be available for Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Blues boss said: “No, he’s not injured. It’s not a big issue, small problem. He got ice on his ankle but it’s not going to be a problem for the weekend.”
Southgate has not recalled Raheem Sterling, however, despite the winger’s promising form under Pochettino. The 28-year-old has been the Blues best player in the opening weeks of the season, having missed out on the last Three Lions squad as he looked to fix some fitness issues.
Conor Gallagher too has received a call-up after starting each one of Chelsea’s first four matches this term. The midfielder was the Blues lone call-up for June’s internationals. Ben Chilwell comes into the squad after missing out on recent selections due to injury.
