CHELSEA centre-back Levi Colwill has joined up with Gareth Southgate’s England squad following the withdrawal of Lewis Dunk.
Brighton skipper Dunk, 31, was forced to drop out of the Three Lions’ set-up for their upcoming Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia due to back and rib injuries.
And now Colwill, 20, who spent last season on loan at Brighton alongside Dunk, has been drafted in to train with England’s senior side, the FA have confirmed.
It comes as he was already preparing for the U21s’ European Championships – which begins on June 21.
England’s senior side will travel to Malta on June 16, before hosting North Macedonia three days later at Old Trafford.
They are looking to maintain a perfect start to their qualifying campaign following wins over Italy and Ukraine three months ago.
Then in the U21st in Romania and Georgia, England are set to face Czech Republic, Germany and Israel in the group stage – with their first game coming on June 22.
Colwill enjoyed a superb season on loan with Brighton from Chelsea – who he has now returned to.
He played 24 games for the Seagulls, including 17 in the Premier League.
And he helped them clinch European football as Roberto De Zerbi’s men finished sixth following a sensational campaign.
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But the South Coast side have been unable to agree a deal with the Blues to keep him permanently.
They attempted to pry him away with a £30million bid, but Chelsea rebutted the approach.
His contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2025, with the option of an additional year if appearance-related targets are met.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
