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Ben Chilwell has been given a new lease of life in France and he's set his sights on making a return to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
Ben Chilwell has outlined his ambition to feature for England at the 2026 World Cup next summer. The ex-Chelsea defender hasn't featured for the Three Lions since March 2024, but a somewhat controversial move to Strasbourg has given him a new lease of life.
Chilwell, who swapped Stamford Bridge for Stade de la Meinau at the end of the summer transfer window, has featured eight times in Ligue 1 this season - keeping three clean sheets. Playing a key role in Liam Rosenior's side, he's helped Strasbourg climb to fifth in the table.
The former Leicester City defender has relished the opportunity to play at the highest level once again, and his performances haven't gone unnoticed. Thomas Tuchel has informed Chilwell that he's on his radar ahead of the World Cup.
The duo featured 39 times for the German during their spell together at Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. In an interview with BBC Sport, 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," said the left-back, who's determined to prove his doubters wrong. "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 added: "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."
The Englishman left Chelsea to join Strasbourg, a club also owned by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly. Chilwell was sixth player to make the same move since the alliance - but insisted it was his decision to cross the Channel.
"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. I've never had anything against Enzo Maresca.
"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."
A year or so after the American consortium acquired Chelsea for £4.25bn, BlueCo, the parent company formed as the investment vehicle for the takeover, secured a majority stake in Strasbourg. They secured close to 100 per cent ownership for €75m (£65m).
When BlueCo bought the French outfit in June 2023, they had just escaped relegation from the top-flight by five points. Now, Strasbourg are competing in the UEFA Conference League, while also competing for qualification to the Champions League.
Rosenior, who's been instrumental to the French club's meteoric rise to success, convinced Chilwell to join. As the only outfield player older than 23, the former Chelsea defender has taken on a leadership role.
"As soon as I went in, they just kept winning, so I couldn't knock on the manager's door [to ask why I wasn't playing]," said Chilwell. "I've lost a few cup finals, so at least I got that monkey off my back and was involved with a good group."
Chilwell will face familiar opposition on Thursday night when Strasbourg meet with Crystal Palace on the European stage. The defender enjoyed a brief spell on loan at Selhurst Park last season, getting his hands on the FA Cup in May.
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