Ben Chilwell Aims for England Recall After Joining Strasbourg
After a challenging period at Chelsea, Ben Chilwell is revitalizing his career at French club Strasbourg, with aspirations of earning a recall to the England national team to silence his critics.
The 28-year-old defender acknowledges that he has significant work ahead if he wishes to secure a spot for the 2026 World Cup.
However, he revealed that England coach Thomas Tuchel, who guided him to a Champions League victory at Chelsea in 2021, has reassured him that his international aspirations are still within reach.
Ahead of his former loan club Crystal Palace's visit for the Conference League on Thursday, Chilwell shared with BBC Sport, "What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup after being in the [Chelsea] bomb squad and everyone counted me out just 12 months ago. It would be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which serves as motivation for me. Chelsea was honest with me, and I harbor no resentment, but naturally, I have an ego, and proving some people wrong would feel good."
Chilwell's difficulties began with a torn cruciate ligament at the end of 2021, followed by a hamstring injury that kept him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His situation worsened when he fell out of favor at Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca in 2024, landing him in the so-called 'bomb squad' of unwanted players.
"Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, 'No, he's not going, and it's impossible for him to go to the World Cup,'" he admitted, further noting that he has discussed his chances with Tuchel. "We’ve talked since he took the job with England. I’ll phrase it carefully—it has been suggested that it’s not out of the question."
Chilwell's Decision to Join Strasbourg
Chilwell is optimistic after two injury-free years and is now playing regularly with Strasbourg, managed by former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior, having joined the club on deadline day in September.
He has participated in all but two Ligue 1 matches, contributing to the team’s strong position in fifth place and making them one of the favorites, alongside Crystal Palace, to win the Conference League.
Despite questions regarding his choice to switch to a team owned by the same American consortium, BlueCo, Chilwell emphasized, "It was my decision. I had other clubs that had no ties to Chelsea, but I chose Strasbourg because of my conversation with the manager."
Alternative options reportedly included Everton and Crystal Palace, where he had a loan spell last season but only made two starts. "Palace was difficult because I loved the changing room. We won the FA Cup, and the manager was fantastic, but personally, I went there to play. Once I joined, they kept winning, so I couldn't approach the manager to ask why I wasn't playing. I’ve lost a few cup finals, so at least I got that monkey off my back and was part of a great group," he reflected.
Choosing Strasbourg allowed him to remain under the same ownership, which he claims was not a concern. "My relationship with the owners has always been positive. They frequently reach out, attend many Strasbourg games, and we share a good rapport. As a footballer, all you can ask for is honesty," he said. "I have never held anything against Enzo Maresca. I respected his honesty, as it allowed me to accept that I was not wanted, even if I disagreed with the decision."
One reason cited for Chilwell's departure was his perceived unsuitability for Maresca's inverted full-back role. "I definitely feel I was affected by it," he admitted, adding, "but I also knew I could have adapted to the role. I played center midfield until I was 12, and even under Thomas [Tuchel], when we played with a back three, I made runs into striker positions or moved inside when Toni Rudiger advanced with the ball. I was capable; I just didn't get the chance."
Chilwell noted that his time in the bomb squad involved a "good level of training" alongside "seven or eight internationals," including Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix, but he lamented that the limited number of players meant he didn’t engage in full-speed drills or games during his eight-week pre-season.
Strasbourg: A Perfect Fit for Chilwell
Under the management of fellow Englishman Rosenior, who has made a positive impression since taking the helm at Strasbourg, Chilwell is finding his footing again.
"It wasn’t my top choice initially, but after speaking with the manager, I made my decision quickly. It was just a 10-minute call, and I called my agent right after to say, 'Yes, let’s finalize the move to Strasbourg,'" Chilwell shared.
"Liam mentioned I would be surprised at how much I would enjoy it. He believed I could improve and indicated he would ask me to take on roles I haven't played before, which is already happening. The leadership aspect is also significant. I’ve been in changing rooms with serial winners and understand how to contribute to a winning environment. It felt like a no-brainer and a perfect fit," he added.
Chilwell expressed astonishment at the quality of play and the ambition at Strasbourg, stating, "We’ve proven we can compete with PSG, and the manager has high aspirations for the season, aiming to win trophies and qualify for the Champions League."
Realizing a dream to play abroad has been fulfilling, although it has also caused some concern for his mother, who has become increasingly important to him since the passing of his father Wayne in 2023. "He is the reason I am where I am. I owe him everything. The silver lining is that it has brought my mum, sister, and me closer. I feel more resilient and level-headed about football," he reflected.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake acquired Strasbourg for £65 million in 2023, Chilwell has become their oldest outfield signing in what is now the youngest squad in Europe’s top five leagues. He has taken on the role of a mentor, advising younger players about the dangers of social media. "I tell them to trust me when I say it’s not a path worth going down. I don’t have access to my Twitter or Instagram; I let my agent handle that. In my younger days, I would scroll through Twitter to find that one negative comment amid 50 positive ones. I was advised against it, but it took time for me to realize it was unhealthy," he explained.
Chilwell is also learning French, although most of his teammates speak English. He mentioned that Strasbourg's cathedral was the tallest building in the world until 1874. He feels mature enough to live abroad independently, and this new chapter appears to have reignited his passion for the game.