Micah Richards says whether Chelsea’s Levi Colwill can fix major England issue

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Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has got himself back into the England team and impressed in their 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland over the weekend.

Levi Colwill was lauded by the English media for his performance, with the centre-back helping the Three Lions to keep a clean sheet.

Despite being a central defender, Colwill actually started the game at left-back, a position he played often under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

Micah Richards has now been discussing whether the 21-year-old can solve England’s left-back issue.

• READ MORE: £50m player could have been starting for his country if he left Chelsea this summer

Micah Richards on Levi Colwill

England have a left-back problem and have for some time. Luke Shaw cannot stay fit, while Kieran Trippier has just retired from international football.

Like Shaw, Colwill’s Chelsea teammate Ben Chilwell has also had a lot of injury issues in recent years.

After being removed from Enzo Maresca‘s squad, Chilwell has not made an appearance this season either, ruling him out of contention to be selected by Lee Carsley.

Because of all of the above, Colwill had to fill in at left-back, but Richards is not convinced that the Chelsea star is the long-term solution, given that he is naturally a centre-back.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, the former Manchester City defender said: “Levi Colwill is a very good player, did really well again tonight [Saturday], but he’s not a left-back. He’s a centre-half.

“Luke Shaw is always picking up injuries. I think that left-back spot, I mean, it’s up for grabs.”

Levi Colwill will play anywhere for England

Being a centre-half by trade, Colwill probably wants to play in central defence. However, right now, the Chelsea academy graduate will just be happy to be part of the England set-up.

He was left out of it for Euro 2024, which would have been devastating. To just be playing for his country again must be making him feel happy.

And with Shaw and Chilwell’s issues, that could continue, with Colwill proving against the Republic of Ireland that he can play in that left-back role.

Chelsea fans thought Colwill was outstanding in that match and could get the chance to watch him play for England again when the Three Lions take on Finland on Tuesday.