There have been few sources for optimism at Chelsea in recent weeks. However, the appointment of Xabi Alonso is one, and the return of Levi Colwill is another – and Alan Shearer has made a big claim.
Coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest, Colwill has since started and finished games against Liverpool at Anfield and then Man City in the FA Cup final. Thrown in at the deep end, after his injury.
A silver lining from the defeat at Wembley…
Thomas Tuchel was in attendance ahead of the World Cup…
Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer, and it has kept the England international sidelined until now. With Tottenham up next, Calum McFarlane said Chelsea need to be careful with him.
Yet, if his performances against Man City and Liverpool are the basis for judging him, he should be on the plane to the World Cup. It was reported recently that Colwill is in England’s preliminary 55-man squad.
Alan Shearer says Levi Colwill should be in England squad
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will name his 26-man squad to go to America, Mexico and Canada on Friday. The Three Lions boss was in attendance at Wembley on Sunday to watch Colwill.
Among others, Colwill sparkled. While Chelsea lost, the defender was exceptional at the back, despite his recent injury recovery. Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Alan Shearer backed Colwill to be in the squad.
He told Gary Lineker: ” I thought Colwill played really well yesterday [FA Cup final] for Chelsea and I think he might have played himself into the England squad,” before Lineker replied: “Do you think so?”
Shearer continued: “Yeah I do, I thought he was excellent. Do you take John [Stones] or do you take a risk on someone else? That’s tough. But I thought he [Colwill] was one of the big pluses for Chelsea.”
Is it good for Chelsea if Levi Colwill goes to the World Cup?
FIFA permits countries to name their 55-man World Cup squad before announcing the actual squad that will take part in the tournament. Tuchel will name his side this week and clearly, Colwill is in his thinking.
Obviously, Colwill will want to go to the World Cup. He will feel he has proved his fitness against Man City and Liverpool, thrown back into the side, and almost looking better than he did before his knee injury.
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But McFarlane’s comments today show that he needs to be looked after, his minutes managed. It would be a travesty if Colwill doesn’t start against Tottenham on Tuesday, but don’t be surprised if he is subbed.
Tuchel will be very aware of Colwill’s injury concerns. Chelsea fans will be delighted to watch their centre-back at the World Cup, but there is reason to be worried. After such a long lay-off, little injuries are likely.
If Colwill picks up an injury while on England duty, it directly impacts Chelsea and Xabi Alonso’s start to life as Blues boss. There will be sections of Chelsea fans hoping that Colwill does not make the squad.
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