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Levi Colwill has found solace away from the hustle of the Cobham training ground, choosing to live with his family in Southampton. Despite the £100,000-a-week salary he pockets from Chelsea, the 21-year-old defender makes the considerable journey back to his roots, where he reconnects with his parents, younger brother, and dog.

"I'm around all the people I grew up with," said Colwill, who will be hoping to feature for in England in this month's Nations League matches against Greece and Finland. "Being connected with them again is what life is about for me. I'm really happy I've gone back, seeing my friends and family so much more."

He believes this return to his foundation has positively impacted his game. Colwill said: "That's probably reflected on the pitch. Being in the bubble when you're at your club is great but when you come home it's a more peaceful, normal life. I'm with people who have normal jobs, who work 8-5 every day," as per reports from The Express.

Colwill appreciates the contrast between his life and those of his friends. The Blues defender said: "To be around them shows you their side of life and makes you appreciate yours so much more. I've moved back into my family home and I do the travel in every day."

The commute doesn't faze him - the warmth of homecoming keeps him grounded. Colwill added: "Everyone thinks the drive is worse than it actually is. It's alright. No matter how long a day I've had, when I get back and see my dog and my mum, dad and little brother, it just means the world to me."

Colwill is attracting substantial buzz after locking down his place in Enzo Maresca's backline, turning heads on the international stage. The Cobham graduate - also touted for big things during his Chelsea youth days - saw his value sky-rocket after impressive loan stints at Huddersfield Town and Brighton.

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August last year marked a turning point with Colwill signing a lucrative long-term deal to confirm his allegiance to the Stamford Bridge outfit. Since then, he's become an undisputed starter at Chelsea - playing every minute of this season's Premier League charge so far.

Colwill is also shining for England. He debuted as a left-back in Lee Carsley's first match in charge, featuring against the Republic of Ireland, followed by a substitute outing versus Finland.

With another call-up under his belt, he looks set to add cap number four to his collection in the upcoming clash with Greece on Thursday night. Reflecting on Carsley's start to life at Wembley Stadium, Colwill said: "He has a bit of arrogance about the team and himself in terms of; 'We've got the best players in the world and we believe that'. We can take that next step to winning a huge competition."