Levi Colwill's late-season surge earns England World Cup squad nod despite injury setback
Levi Colwill has made a strong return to Chelsea’s first team after recovering from a serious knee injury. The 20-year-old defender featured in recent matches against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Manchester City. His late-season form has even earned him a place in England’s provisional 55-man World Cup squad—despite limited playing time this season.
Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier in the campaign, sidelining him for months. Since his comeback, he has played just 225 minutes across all competitions. Yet his performances have caught the eye of Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who has closely monitored his progress.
Former Blues defender Jason Cundy publicly praised Colwill’s composure and defensive ability. TalkSPORT pundits, however, remain sceptical about his chances of making the final 26-man squad. The youngster faces stiff competition, with Marc Guehi widely tipped to start at centre-back for England in Qatar. Other contenders for a defensive spot include Harry Maguire, whose recent upturn in form at Manchester United may secure his place. Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, and Fikayo Tomori are also in contention. England head coach Gareth Southgate—previously confused with Chelsea’s Tuchel in some reports—will confirm his final selection on Friday.
Colwill’s inclusion in the provisional squad highlights his potential, though his lack of game time could work against him. The final decision rests with Southgate, who must balance experience and emerging talent. The announcement on Friday will clarify whether Colwill’s late-season push has been enough.
