Levi Colwill

Levi Lamar Samuels Colwill (born 26 February 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre back or left back for club Chelsea and the England national team.

Early and personal life
Levi Lamar Samuels Colwill was born on 26 February 2003 in Southampton, Hampshire.

Colwill's uncles, Barry and Byron Mason, won the 2014 FA Vase final with Sholing, with Colwill walking out at Wembley Stadium as a mascot. Another uncle, Daniel Mason, also plays for Sholing and works for Southampton.

Early career


Colwill joined Chelsea at under-nine level, having previously played for Sunday League team City Central alongside Jamal Musiala. He signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in February 2020 on his 17th birthday.

On 25 June 2021, Colwill joined Championship club Huddersfield Town on loan for the 2021–22 season. He made his debut on 1 August in a 4–2 penalty shoot-out win against Sheffield Wednesday in the 2021–22 EFL Cup and his league debut six days later in a 1–1 away draw with Derby County. On 21 August, he scored his first career goal in Huddersfield's 2–1 win at Sheffield United on 21 August. Throughout the season he suffered from ankle, knee and hip problems, as well as COVID-19. On 29 May 2022, Colwill scored an own goal as Huddersfield lost 1–0 to Nottingham Forest at Wembley in the 2022 Championship play-off final.

On 5 August 2022, Colwill joined Chelsea's fellow Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion on loan for the 2022–23 season. He made his debut two days later against Manchester United, coming on as a stoppage time substitute for Solly March in Brighton's 2–1 win. Colwill made his first Premier League start in a 2–1 home defeat against Aston Villa on 13 November. He ended the season having made 13 starts in the 2022–23 Premier League as Brighton qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club's history. On 1 June 2023, it was reported that Chelsea had rejected a £30 million bid from Brighton for Colwill. Colwill complimented Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, and said his own game had room to improve.

2023–present: Return to Chelsea
On 2 August 2023, Colwill signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year. He made his official debut for Chelsea on 13 August, playing the full match as Chelsea drew at home to Liverpool in their opening match of the 2023–24 season. On 3 December, Colwill scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 3–2 victory over Brighton in the 2023–24 Premier League. Three days later, he captained Chelsea for the first time in a 2–1 away loss to Manchester United. During the first half of the season, he featured frequently as a left back.

Youth career
With England U17, Colwill won he won the Syrenka Cup in 2019.

On 10 November 2021, Colwill made his debut for – and captained – the England U19s in a 4–0 victory over Andorra in a 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification match. He scored his first goal for the U19s six days later during a 2–0 win against Sweden.

On 27 August 2021, Colwill received his first call up for the England U21s. On 25 March 2022, Colwill made his England U21 debut in a 4–1 win over Andorra at Bournemouth. On 14 June 2023, Colwill was included in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Starting five of his country's six games, Colwill helped England to win the tournament without conceding a single goal. Colwill lauded the team's 'family' spirit.

Senior career
In June 2023, Colwill linked up with the England senior squad for the first time as part of the travelling party to a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying fixture away to Malta.

On 31 August 2023, Colwill was called up to the senior England squad for the first time, for their fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland. He made his senior debut during a friendly against Australia on 13 October. After being called up again in November 2023, he withdrew from the squad due to injury.

Style of play
Colwill plays mostly at centre back, he can also slot in on the left as a full back or wing back, and enjoys stepping forward as a ball-playing defender. He has been compared to John Terry due to his shirt number, status as an academy graduate of Chelsea, and position.

Honours
Chelsea
 * EFL Cup runner-up: 2023–24

England U21
 * UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2023

Individual
 * UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2023
 * IFFHS Men's World Youth (U20) Team: 2023