Ben Chilwell Targets World Cup Return After Ligue 1 Move

England defender Ben Chilwell is determined to rediscover his top form with Strasbourg, viewing consistent play in Ligue 1 as the key to achieving his "ambition" of playing in the next World Cup. The 28-year-old made the move to France after a single 10-minute phone conversation with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior was enough to convince him of the project.

Since arriving in Ligue 1, Chilwell has quickly established himself as a regular starter, featuring in nine out of 13 games and earning seven starts. This return to consistent action is a deliberate step toward re-entering the England national team picture, a possibility that former Chelsea and current England manager Thomas Tuchel has left open.

"We’ve had conversations since [Tuchel's] got the job at England," Chilwell revealed. He confirmed that the manager has indicated a call-up is "not out of the equation," providing a clear incentive for the defender. Chilwell, who won the 2020–21 Champions League under Tuchel at Chelsea, is focused on proving his critics wrong. "It makes me laugh that people think I’m an old player at 28—I’m really in my prime," he stated, underlining his belief that his best years are ahead of him.

Having painfully missed the 2022 World Cup due to a torn hamstring just weeks before the tournament, Chilwell’s desire to represent his country is profound. However, his current philosophy is grounded: "First things first, I want to play well here, be healthy, and then the rest—the World Cup—may follow." He maintains that regardless of the national team outcome, he is prioritizing his enjoyment of the game, asserting that even if he falls short, he will "still be enjoying my football and only be 29."