While many Chelsea players have benefited from March’s international break, it should be a serious reality check for one Blues star.
There are many Chelsea figures playing and impressing for their respective countries across the last week.
For example, Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez has starred in back-to-back wins for Argentina over Uruguay and Brazil. Argentine media hailed Fernandez after his goal and assist versus Brazil on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Chelsea captain Reece James scored a stunning free-kick goal for England in a victory over Latvia on Monday. England boss Thomas Tuchel praised James for how he’s looked during the Three Lions camp.
In contrast, one Blues individual has had a much more frustrating time.
Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
Levi Colwill gets reality check after zero minutes for England
When Tuchel picked his first-ever England squad for March’s two World Cup qualifiers, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill must’ve been delighted with his inclusion.
Even though the 22-year-old’s form at Chelsea has been a bit up and down this season, he’s still one of the most exciting young defenders available in the country.
However, Colwill didn’t get a minute of action across England’s two games in the past week, watching from the bench as an unused substitute in both.
Fixture Date Minutes played
England 3-0 Latvia 24 March 0
England 2-0 Albania 21 March 0
Levi Colwill in England’s previous two games
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Instead, England manager Tuchel used a mixture of Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Dan Burn in the centre of defence across the two matches.
From Colwill’s perspective, it should set the alarm bells ringing. He simply needs to step up the level of his performances at Chelsea, which should then lead to him adding to his four England caps.
Prior to the international break, Colwill was one of several Blues defenders out of form. He’s a popular figure with supporters because he came out of the Chelsea academy, but it’s not been a vintage season from him.
Speaking back in February, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher criticised Colwill by insisting that the young centre-half needs to become more physical because he’s sometimes struggling in that aspect.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Wesley Fofana return could be huge for Levi Colwill
When Chelsea’s defence were at their best earlier in the season, they had a solid centre-back partnership of Colwill alongside Wesley Fofana. It’s been obvious how much the team has missed the latter when he’s been absent due to injury, though.
If the defensive pair can strike up that partnership again from now until the end of the season, the Blues could still make it a successful year.
Matches Wins Draws Losses
14 8 4 2
Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana when playing together via Transfermarkt
Back in September, Fofana discussed his relationship with Colwill by saying he really enjoys playing next to him in the heart of defence.
Fofana, 24, started a couple of league matches before March’s international break after returning from his latest injury problem. Plus, he’s now had even more time to get himself fit and ready for the end of season run-in.