Ben Chilwell Targets England World Cup Comeback After Strasbourg Switch

Key Takeaways:

• Ben Chilwell has made 9 appearances for RC Strasbourg following his summer move from Chelsea
• The England international aims to rejoin the national squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US, Mexico, and Canada
• Chilwell has not played for England since 2024, despite earning 21 caps and scoring once

Chilwell’s French Adventure and Ambitions

Ben Chilwell, currently playing for RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1, has expressed his ambition to reclaim his place in the England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Since joining from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, the 28-year-old has quickly become a regular under fellow Englishman Liam Rosenior, appearing in 9 matches at the Stade de la Meinau. Despite his move abroad, Chilwell remains under the same club ownership due to the shared structure between Chelsea and Strasbourg.

Ben Chilwell is ready and aiming to prove his doubters wrong by making it into England's 2026 World Cup squad 📝👥🦁 pic.twitter.com/jBDe2NjN3h

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 26, 2025

Aiming for a Reunion with Tuchel

Chilwell, who previously played under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, now targets a reunion with the head coach in the England national team setup. When questioned about his international future, the left-back stated, “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.” He further commented, “It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is a motivation. Chelsea was honest with me, and there’s no resentment, but of course I’ve got an ego, so it would be a nice feeling to prove some people wrong”.

International Record and Recent Form

Chilwell has accumulated 21 senior caps for England, scoring once during his international career. However, the former Crystal Palace loanee last featured for the Three Lions in 2024 and has not yet received a call-up from Tuchel in his new role. As he impresses in Ligue 1, Chilwell remains determined to force his way back into contention for the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.