Levi Colwill is adamant he's "got to play" next season as he weighs up his options with Chelsea determined to keep the defender.
Colwill has come through the ranks at the Blues but has been sent out on loan to aid his development in the past two seasons, most recently to Brighton. He excelled for the Seagulls as they completed the double over Chelsea, finishing higher than them to secure European football for the first time.
As a result, the young centre-halves stock has risen at a rapid rate, which has again be furthered by success with England's U21s at the weekend. There is notable interest in Colwill, particularly from Liverpool who are eyeing a left-sided defender, with Brighton already having a bid turned down by Chelsea, who have no plans to offload him.
The 20-year-old though has made his ambitions clear as he targets an England call-up: "We’re all pushing and knocking on the door. Everyone has to pay attention to every player here. I feel like this team we had was more than just individuals. In the past England might have lacked that. We’ve always had great players but I think this team is so much different. I love this team.
"I’ll speak to my family, speak to everyone I need to and make a decision. I’ve got to play at the end of the day, to hopefully get there and go to the next (senior) camp.
"But if I’m here, I’ll still be happy. You’ve always got to be happy when you’re picked for any England age group. It’s an honour."
Colwill is going back to a Chelsea squad that has huge numbers, which are gradually being trimmed as players leave. He will also be working under Mauricio Pochettino, who has shown himself to have an appetite for giving young players a chance, as he did regularly at Tottenham.
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Kalidou Koulibaly has already left west London as has club stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta. Veteran Thiago Silva remains alongside expensive acquisition Wesley Fofana. Benoît Badiashile was signed season whilst Trevoh Chalobah has also made himself part of the first-team picture.
Chelsea did play with a back three last term, but Pochettino could switch back to a conventional four, meaning only two centre-halves will be picked on a weekly basis. The Argentine has already stated his desire to have a conversation with Colwill as he gets to grips with his players.
"I need to get a feel for him. I need to hear what he has in his mind. What he expects. And then, of course, for him to listen to what I expect from him," he said.
