Chilwell Aims to Snub Critics with World Cup Triumph

Ben Chilwell, who plays defence for Strasbourg, is determined to offer the ultimate retort to his detractors by securing a spot in Englands World Cup team.

Having lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea back in 2021, the 28 year old full back is working to revive his career after departing from Stamford Bridge to join a French club.

He was on loan at Crystal Palace for the previous season and will now face them while representing Strasbourg in the UEFA Conference League this Thursday.

During his Chelsea stint in 2021, Chilwell suffered a cruciate ligament tear and then sat out the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a hamstring problem.

With his performances waning, he could not impress new manager Enzo Maresca when the Italian assumed control at Chelsea last year.

Chilwell ended up in Marescas infamous group of surplus players before exiting the Premier League outfit, initially for an underwhelming period at Palace and later for a full transfer to the Ligue 1 team in September.

Imagine the tale if I made it to the World Cup after being sidelined in that Chelsea group and with everyone writing me off just a year ago, Chilwell shared with BBC Sport on Wednesday.

It would serve as the grandest gesture of defiance to countless individuals, serving as real drive for me.

Chelsea dealt with me fairly and I hold no grudges, yet naturally I have my pride, so it would feel good to show some doubters they erred.

Chilwell has shone steadily for Strasbourg under the guidance of ex Hull manager Liam Rosenior.

With 21 caps for England, Chilwell feels he can still persuade Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel to give him another international outing since March 2024.

England have two preparatory matches in March prior to Tuchel announcing his World Cup roster for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nearly everyone out of a hundred is thinking, He is not making it and reaching the World Cup seems impossible, Chilwell noted.

We have spoken since he took the England role. To phrase it carefully, it has been indicated that it remains a possibility.