Levi Colwill seems to be set to make his England debut within the coming days – one thing that may stun followers who goaded him for failing to make the bench at non-league Sholing 4 months in the past.
The 20-year-old is taken into account one of many prime defensive prospects in Europe, having impressed on mortgage at Huddersfield and Brighton earlier than breaking by means of at boyhood membership Chelsea.
Colwill helped England win the Below-21 European Championship over the summer time and is now in line for his senior debut, which can depart a number of onlookers rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
The centre-back has sturdy household ties to non-league Sholing and wore considered one of their shirts as he cheered on uncles Byron and Dan Mason in Might’s Southern League Division One South play-off ultimate.
Colwill was one of many first within the dressing room to have a good time the 2-0 win towards Hamworthy United and promotion on a day that began with him laughing off some pre-match ribbing from opposing followers.
“He had considered one of our shirts on and so they have been principally saying, ‘he’s garbage, he couldn’t make the squad’,” Byron Mason informed PA with a hearty giggle. “Little did they know!
“However he’s so chilled, he would by no means flip round and say ‘I’m a Prem footballer’ or something like that. He’s not about that. He simply laughed and took it.”
Colwill credit Sholing for serving to gasoline his rise to the highest, having been a mascot at Wembley when uncles Barry and Byron Mason received the FA Vase ultimate towards West Auckland City 9 years in the past.
Shut household pal Marvin McLean scored the winner and nonetheless performs for Sholing together with Byron and Dan Mason.
“Sholing has been an enormous household affair,” Colwill’s uncle Dan informed PA. “Me and my brothers have been there for just about our complete lives.
“All of us have gotten 500-plus appearances every, so we’ve been there for years.
“When folks do come there, even household and that, they actually really feel part of it, which is clearly what’s particular about non-league.”
Colwill’s watertight bond to his household and their membership means he can usually be discovered watching Sholing when he’s not strutting his stuff at Stamford Bridge.
“When the fixtures comes out, all of us look and see what video games he can come to of ours and what video games we will go to of his,” mentioned Dan, who revealed Colwill has joined them on the coach to some away video games.
“Actually, any time we’re free we go to one another’s video games. It’s an enormous help factor.
“Even Saturday mornings and if we’re travelling, we’re within the group chat pushing one another for the win. As quickly because the video games are completed, we break down video games in there.”
A irritating diary battle prevents Byron and Dan from making it to Poland as Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier towards Ukraine kicks off instantly after Sholing’s match at Harrow Borough, whereas Tuesday’s pleasant in Scotland clashes with one other sport.
“It hasn’t fallen proper, so clearly we will’t make it – it’d have been superb to be there,” mentioned Byron, who joked his Wembley win is all he can maintain over his gifted nephew.
“We at all times keep (on the floor) to round six so we’ll watch the primary half. Then we’ll have an iPad or one thing prepared to look at the second half on the way in which house.
“I simply can’t imagine it. Hopefully he will get some minutes.”