Ben Chilwell Remains Hopeful for World Cup Selection Amidst Challenges

Ben Chilwell remains optimistic about his chances of returning to the England national team for the upcoming World Cup, as Thomas Tuchel has indicated that the possibility is still open.

Chilwell’s last appearance for England, which marked his 21st cap, was in 2024. After experiencing a series of injuries, he is now looking forward to possibly joining the squad heading to North America next summer.

The left-back previously celebrated winning the Champions League with Chelsea under Tuchel in 2021. However, his career faced setbacks following a torn cruciate ligament at the end of 2021 and a hamstring injury that sidelined him from the 2022 World Cup.

After losing his position at Chelsea when Enzo Maresca took over, Chilwell found himself training alongside Raheem Sterling in a group of players deemed surplus to requirements. Yet, his aspirations for an England call-up may be reignited following his loan stint at Strasbourg in France.

In an interview with BBC, Chilwell remarked, “What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup after I was in the [Chelsea] 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.”

He further stated, “Chelsea were honest with me, and there’s no resentment, but of course I’ve got an ego, so it would be a nice feeling to prove some people wrong.”

On the perceptions regarding his potential selection, he noted, “Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, ‘No, he’s not going, and it is impossible to go to the World Cup.’ We’ve had conversations since he’s got the job at England. I’ll try and word it right – it has been said that it’s not out of the equation.”

Chilwell has enjoyed two injury-free seasons and is flourishing under the guidance of Liam Rosenior, who previously managed Hull, at Strasbourg.