In Focus: Chelsea's Colwill set to star for England

England's European Championship qualifier against Ukraine could be a memorable game for Levi Colwill.

The Chelsea defender has made an impressive start to the season and might be in line to make his senior international debut.

Ahead of tonight's match, staged in Poland, we take a look at Colwill's emergence at Chelsea and whether he can make his mark with the Three Lions.

Defensive mainstay

The 20-year-old has started all four Premier League games so far this season.

He has rapidly earned the trust of new manager Mauricio Pochettino, playing on the left of a back three alongside Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi.

No Chelsea player has won possession in the defensive third more times than Colwill (15) so far this season.

And he also ranks second in the team for interceptions (four) and completed clearances (nine).

Colwill is assured on the ball, too, completing 212 passes at an accuracy rate of 84.46%.

Brighton brilliance

Those who watched Colwill on loan at Brighton during the second half of last season will not be surprised to see the youngster thriving at Stamford Bridge.

He slotted seamlessly into Roberto De Zerbi's defence, catching the eye with the ball at his feet.

Only five Premier League players — Benoit Badiashile, Aymeric Laporte, Lewis Dunk, Rodri and Ruben Dias — completed more passes per 90 minutes than Colwill in 2022-23 (75.02).

Given his impressive performances with Brighton and England's Under-21s in the summer, it is no surprise that he is now part of Gareth Southgate's squad.

Paternal Poch

So far, Colwill has looked at home in Chelsea's defence — and he has praised Pochettino for helping him to settle.

He said: "I think the big thing for me is on the first day I came in, him [Pochettino] putting an arm around me and showing me that he respects me as a person and also as a player.

"That's a big difference, him showing that there are two sides whereas the majority of managers may just look at you like a footballer.

"That allows me to work my hardest and makes me want to play my best for him."

Maturity

Having been guided by two exceptional coaches in Pochettino and De Zerbi, Colwill could not have asked for a better education over the last year.

And England manager Gareth Southgate clearly feels the centre-back is ready to feature for his country.

He said: "He [Colwill] has the ability to defend the box well like any young defender.

"He showed a really good temperament in the league last year and in the summer with the Under-21s he was outstanding.

"Levi has a real maturity about his calmness with the ball. He's got good physical attributes. He's got speed and the ability to defend the box well."

Potential

Colwill's potential is undoubtedly huge.

He signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea in the summer, committing himself to the club until 2029 with an option for another year.

With the backing of the Blues and plenty of Premier League games under his belt, Colwill could well be ready to thrive in an England shirt.