England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley backs Levi Colwill to shine at the European Championship

Levi Colwill is ready to start England’s Under-21 European Championship after a taste of the big time with Gareth Southgate’s squad last week.

The Chelsea central defender – who Brighton are relentlessly pursuing this summer – trained with the seniors and jetted out to Malta for Friday night’s victory.

Colwill flew to Georgia for the Under-21 tournament via Manchester and has overcome tiredness over the last few days to be in contention for Thursday’s Group C opener against Czech Republic.

‘He had a good experience with them,’ manager Lee Carsley said. ‘He was tired when he got here. The journey is tough.

‘He had a recovery session but has trained well ever since so he’s in a good position. I expect him and Taylor [Harwood-Bellis], along with the other centre halves, to have a good competition.

Levi Colwill (left) trained with Gareth Southgate’s senior England squad last week

He has now joined up with Lee Carsley’s Under-21 squad ahead of the European Championship

Carsley expects Colwill to thrive at the Euros after his impressive season on loan at Brighton

‘What I’ve noticed about Levi, and the others, is that they’re motivated and committed to being here. And not just being here but doing well. Hopefully we can get off to a good start.’

Harwood-Bellis, who was namechecked by Southgate as someone England are closely monitoring, is captain of this group and hopes to emulate Colwill’s success at Premier League level after winning promotion on loan at Burnley.

‘Levi’s brilliant,’ the Manchester City academy graduate said. ‘Last year he did what I’ve done this year with games in the Championship.

‘There was no doubt he could go and do it in the Premier League, which he has done this season. He’s really enjoyable to play with and I feel like we compliment each other.

‘I feel like it’s the most I have improved as a player on and off the pitch. The detail the [Burnley] manager [Vincent Kompany] has put in is incredible.

‘I’m excited to get going. We’ve done well in training. It’s a massive privilege to be captain, I can’t wait.’