Mauricio Pochettino confirms Levi Colwill’s future post-Brighton win as huge Chelsea & England prediction made

Mauricio Pochettino has ended any Brighton & Hove Albion hopes of signing Levi Colwill after confirming his Chelsea future.

The 20-year-old played the majority of the game against Brighton on Saturday night as Chelsea beat Roberto De Zerbi’s side 4-3 in Philadelphia to claim their second win of pre-season.

Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton and De Zerbi was keen to bring the English defender back to the club on a permanent basis, but Chelsea‘s position was clear – they did not want to sell him.

Talks have been held between Colwill and Pochettino over his role in the Chelsea side for 2023-24 and beyond and following the win over Brighton, Pochettino made it clear where the defender would be playing his football next season.

“Levi has had a few days holiday and he is fit,” said Pochettino. “Of course we played him because we need to share minutes with different players and he is in good form.

“We don’t need to show nothing or make a statement (to Brighton) about nothing. He is our player and he’s going to continue with us. His performance was good today, better than what I expected. I am so happy.”

Colwill has already been eyed up for the England senior team by Gareth Southgate, enhanced by his triumph with the Under-21s this summer as they clinched glory to win the European Championship.

Pochettino has high hopes for the Chelsea defender, adding: “He can be one the greatest centre-backs in England.”