Hard work pays off: Despite ups and downs, Colwill gets international recognition

Levi Colwill continues to have an outstanding year with no indication of a decline, as he aims to earn his first cap for the England national team. After an impressive season on loan with Brighton, he further bolstered his credentials by contributing to England U21s winning the European championship earlier in July.

"It has been an amazing year. There have been many ups and still downs, and a load of stuff that I have had to overcome. But it's all part of my career and you'll get that. A hundred per cent, it's all worth it in the end. You've got to keep working hard, that's what I have done so far, but now it's about keeping going."

Since returning to Chelsea following his on-loan heroics, the 20-year-old centre-back continued to go from strength to strength under Mauricio Pochettino's guidance. He was rewarded with an improved six-year contract before making his Blues debut in their season opener. Even though Chelsea's results left a lot to be desired, Colwill was ever-present for the London team.

Colwill pointed out instances of limited playing time under Graham Potter and his successor at Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi, as challenges he had to overcome. However, his subsequent achievements on the south coast led to him being invited to join the England senior squad for training in June. He even travelled with them for the qualifier in Malta before switching to the U21 team. Now he has the chance to impress England boss Gareth Southgate.

"Coming and training in June was a big blessing. I enjoyed it so much. Getting formally called up is amazing. When I got the text, I called my dad straight away. I think he was getting emotional, to be honest. A dream come true. Everyone was so welcoming, and it made a big difference for me. Now I have settled in a bit, I am ready to kick on and prepare for the upcoming week."

With the Euro 2024 coming up in less than a year, the Southampton-born youngster will strive to remain in Southgate's plans. He'll have to keep getting picked at the club level to do so.

"Of course. Playing for Chelsea - one of the biggest clubs in the world - it's got to be my aim to be in the England team for such a big tournament. It's still a long time until that comes, so I've just got to keep working hard, pushing myself and let's see what happens next."