Introduction
Levi Lemar Samuels Colwill (born 26 February 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Chelsea and the England national team.
Club career
Chelsea
Born in Southampton, Colwill joined Chelsea at under-9 level, having previously played for Sunday League team City Central alongside Jamal Musiala.
2021–22 season: Loan to Huddersfield Town
In June 2021, he joined Championship club Huddersfield Town on loan. He made his professional debut in a 4–2 penalty shootout win against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup on 1 August 2021. He scored his first goal for Huddersfield, a late winner, in a 2–1 win at Sheffield United on 21 August 2021. 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 in the 2021–22 Championship play-off final.
2022–23 season: Loan to Brighton & Hove Albion
On 5 August 2022, Colwill joined fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on loan for the duration of the 2022–23 season. He made his Seagulls and Premier League debut two days later against Manchester United, coming on as a 90+1st minute substitute for Solly March in Brighton's first ever win at Old Trafford after winning 2–1. Colwill made his first Premier League start on 13 November, coming close to scoring an equaliser in the 2–1 home defeat against Aston Villa.
Return to Chelsea
On 1 June 2023, it was reported that Chelsea had rejected a £30 million bid from Brighton for the player. Colwill complimented Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, and said his own game had room to improve. On 2 August 2023, Colwill signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year.
International career
Colwill has represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels. With the under-17 team he won the Syrenka Cup in 2019.
On 27 August 2021, Colwill received his first call up for the England U21s.
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 25 March 2022, Colwill made his England U21 debut during a 4–1 win over Andorra at Bournemouth.
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 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.
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 match against Australia on 13 October 2023.
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.
Personal life
Barry and Byron Mason, Colwill's uncles, 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.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 1 November 2023
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Chelsea | 2021–22 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2023–24 | Premier League | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 13 | 0 | ||
| Total | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | ||
| Huddersfield Town (loan) | 2021–22 | Championship | 29 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 2 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) | 2022–23 | Premier League | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 22 | 0 | |
| Career total | 56 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 67 | 2 | ||
International
- As of match played 13 October 2023
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Honours
England U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2023
Individual
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2023