Forgotten Chelsea star Ben Chilwell has set his sights on a dramatic return to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, revealing he has held secret talks with Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel following his transformative summer move to Strasbourg.
A New Chapter in France
Chilwell, 28, left Stamford Bridge for Ligue 1's Strasbourg in a late-summer transfer window move that has revitalised his career. The left-back has become a pivotal figure for manager Liam Rosenior, making eight appearances and helping his new club secure three clean sheets as they surge to fifth place in the league table.
The defender, who played 39 times under Tuchel during their successful spell together at Chelsea, confirmed the England boss has been in contact. "We've had conversations since he got the job at England," Chilwell told BBC Sport. "It has been said that it's not out of the equation."
The Ultimate Motivation
Chilwell, whose last England cap came in March 2024, described a potential World Cup call-up as the "ultimate chance to prove his doubters wrong". He channeled a defiant spirit, stating that earning a spot would be the "biggest middle finger to so many people".
"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," he added, highlighting the personal motivation driving his comeback.
Clearing the Air on Chelsea Exit
The move to Strasbourg, a club also owned by Chelsea's parent company BlueCo, was entirely his own decision, Chilwell insisted. He clarified his relationship with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca remains respectful, despite the Italian's honesty about not wanting him in his plans.
"I've never had anything against Enzo Maresca," Chilwell stated. "I told everyone how much I respected the fact that he was honest, because at least then I could just go; 'Alright, cool, I'm not wanted'. Of course, I wasn't happy with the decision. I didn't agree with it, but I respected it."
Now, as the sole outfield player over 23 at Strasbourg, Chilwell has embraced a leadership role under Rosenior. His immediate focus is on Thursday's clash with Crystal Palace, a familiar foe from his brief loan spell last season where he won the FA Cup.
Defying suggestions that his career is winding down, Chilwell concluded: "It makes me laugh that people think I'm an old player at 28 - I'm really in my prime. That's why the World Cup is an ambition... there's so much to achieve."
