Chilwell Eyes World Cup Return as ‘Big Middle Finger’ to Critics
Strasbourg defender Ben Chilwell says earning a spot in England’s World Cup squad would be “the biggest middle finger” to critics who wrote him off.
Chilwell left Chelsea for Strasbourg in September, hoping to revive a career that had stalled after injuries and inconsistent form. The 28-year-old, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, also spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace. He now prepares to face his former loan club in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
The left-back’s troubles began in 2021 when he tore his cruciate ligament at Chelsea. Another setback followed in 2022 when a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Qatar World Cup. As his form dipped, he struggled to impress new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian eventually placed him in the club’s ‘bomb squad’ before clearing him for loan and then a permanent exit.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Chilwell said returning to the national team would complete a remarkable turnaround.
“What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup after being in the Chelsea bomb squad and everyone counting me out. It would be the biggest middle finger to so many people. That’s motivation.”
He added that although he holds no grudge against Chelsea, proving doubters wrong would still feel good.
Chilwell has since rediscovered consistency at Strasbourg under manager Liam Rosenior. With 21 England caps already, he believes he still has a chance to convince England head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of the global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
England will play two friendlies in March before Tuchel names his final squad.
“Ninety-nine out of 100 people think I won’t go. But Tuchel and I have spoken. I’ll put it carefully — it hasn’t been ruled out,” he said.
