Strasbourg, France – After a challenging period at Chelsea, Ben Chilwell is reviving his career at Strasbourg, aiming for a return to the England national team and a shot at the 2026 World Cup.

The 28-year-old left-back, who moved to Strasbourg on a free transfer on deadline day, revealed that England manager Thomas Tuchel has assured him his international ambitions remain alive, despite recent setbacks.

“What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup after I was in the Chelsea bomb squad and everyone had counted me out 12 months prior,” Chilwell told BBC Sport.
“It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is a motivation.”

From Chelsea ‘Bomb Squad’ to Strasbourg Starter

Chilwell’s struggles began with serious injuries, including a cruciate ligament tear in 2021 and a hamstring injury in 2022, which ruled him out of the Qatar World Cup. His situation worsened under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, leading to his inclusion in the so-called “bomb squad”—players deemed surplus to requirements.

Despite this, Chilwell has regained full fitness over the past two years and is now a regular starter at Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior, the former Hull City manager. Strasbourg currently sit fifth in Ligue 1 and are strong contenders in the Conference League.

“It was my decision to come here,” Chilwell explained. “I had other options, including Everton and Crystal Palace, but Strasbourg felt like a perfect fit. The manager showed belief in me, and the project was ambitious.”

Adjusting to a New League and Leadership Role

Chilwell is thriving in a squad where he is one of the more experienced players. He is also mentoring younger teammates, many of whom are part of Europe’s youngest top-five league squad, thanks to BlueCo’s investment in Strasbourg.

“I’ve been in winning teams, and I know how to lead in a changing room,” he said.
“The league is competitive, the stadiums are full, and the manager has big ambitions. It’s been a perfect fit for me.”

Chilwell has also embraced life in France, learning the language and adapting to a new culture. He’s keen to focus on football, keeping away from social media distractions, and emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game.

Motivation for the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup remains a major motivator for Chilwell, who sees his career relaunch as a way to prove doubters wrong. At 28, he believes he is in his prime.

“First things first, I want to play well here and stay healthy,” he said.
“The World Cup may follow. If I give everything and don’t achieve it, it’s not the end of the world. I’ll still enjoy my football.”

Strasbourg’s project, under the ownership of BlueCo, has given Chilwell the platform to shine again, reigniting his love for football and positioning him as a serious contender for England’s defensive line in 2026.