ben chilwell leicester City
Ben Chilwell has found a new lease on life in France, with his sights firmly set on a return to the England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The former Chelsea defender, who has not featured for the Three Lions since March 2024, made a strategic move to Strasbourg at the end of the summer transfer window. Since then, Chilwell has been a key player in Liam Rosenior’s squad, helping the team climb to fifth place in Ligue 1 and keeping three clean sheets in eight appearances.
Ben Chilwell said: “We’ve had conversations since he got the job at England [in October 2024]. I’ll try and word it right – it has been said that it’s not out of the equation. What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup, after I was in the bomb squad and everyone had counted me out 12 months prior. It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is a motivation. Chelsea were honest with me, and so there’s no resentment, but of course, I’ve got an ego, so it would be a nice feeling to prove some people wrong.”
Chilwell’s decision to join Strasbourg, a club also owned by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, was pivotal in his career revival. Despite being the sixth player to make this move since the alliance, Chilwell insists it was his decision to cross the Channel. His performances have caught the attention of Thomas Tuchel, who has informed Chilwell that he is on his radar for the World Cup. The duo previously enjoyed success at Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup together.
Chilwell’s leadership qualities have also been evident at Strasbourg, where he is the only outfield player over the age of 23. His experience and influence have been instrumental in the team’s recent success. As Strasbourg prepares to face Crystal Palace on the European stage, Chilwell will encounter familiar opposition, having spent a brief loan spell at Selhurst Park last season, where he lifted the FA Cup in May.
This move to Strasbourg has not only rejuvenated Chilwell’s club career but also reignited his international ambitions. With the World Cup on the horizon, the former Leicester City defender is determined to prove his doubters wrong and make a triumphant return to the England squad.
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