Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has set his sights on a remarkable England recall for the 2026 World Cup, just one year after being exiled from the first team at Stamford Bridge as part of the club's notorious 'Bomb Squad'. The 28-year-old left-back, a Champions League winner with the Blues, is now rebuilding his career in France with Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg.
From West London Exile to French Reinvention
Chilwell was effectively frozen out by Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca after returning from a six-month loan spell at Crystal Palace last season. Along with teammates including Raheem Sterling and Armando Broja, he was informed he did not feature in the manager's plans. This exclusion came after the defender struggled to fully recover from significant ACL and hamstring issues suffered in 2021 and 2022, coinciding with Marc Cucurella's rise as the preferred left-back option.
The former England international has since taken matters into his own hands, signing a two-year deal with Strasbourg where he has already made seven starts since the beginning of the current season. Despite interest from Premier League clubs including Everton and former loan side Crystal Palace, Chilwell deliberately chose the move to France, convinced by the project at Chelsea's sister club.
The World Cup Dream and Tuchel Connection
Chilwell's ambitions extend far beyond Ligue 1 success. In a revealing interview with BBC Sport, he expressed his powerful motivation to earn a place in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, where he could reunite with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, now in charge of the Three Lions.
'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,' Chilwell stated. 'It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is a motivation. 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.'
The defender, who has earned 21 senior caps for England since his debut, acknowledges the challenge ahead. 'Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, "no, he's not going, and it is impossible to go to the World Cup",' he admitted. However, he has already discussed his prospects with Tuchel since the German's appointment as England manager.
Clear Conversations and Future Prospects
Chilwell revealed that Tuchel has encouraged him to focus on his performances this season, with the England boss suggesting that a World Cup call-up is 'not out of the equation'. The defender last featured for England in a friendly match in March 2024.
Regarding his departure from Chelsea, Chilwell stressed there are no hard feelings toward either the club or Maresca. 'I've never had anything against Enzo Maresca,' he said. 'I told everyone how much I respected the fact that he was honest, because at least then I could just go, "all right, cool, I'm not wanted".'
He also maintained positive relations with Chelsea's ownership, noting: 'My relationship with the owners has never been bad. They've always rang or messaged. They go to a lot of Strasbourg games, we're cool and we'll give each other a hug. The only thing you can ask for as a footballer is honesty.'
Chilwell's immediate focus remains on Strasbourg, who currently sit fifth in Ligue 1. He faces a quick reunion with former club Crystal Palace when the English side visits Strasbourg for a UEFA Conference League match on Thursday evening.
