Strasbourg defender Ben Chilwell hasn’t given up on making England’s World Cup squad, with the left back spot very much up for grabs.
The former Chelsea man is aiming to impress Thomas Tuchel in a bid to earn a Three Lions recall ahead of next summer’s tournament.
Ben Chilwell Eyes England Recall With Left Back Spot Up For Grabs
Former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is eyeing an England recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup after Thomas Tuchel revealed to the left back that his international career isn’t necessarily over just yet.
Chilwell left the Blues on a relatively sour note, but has been enjoying life in France with Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
Although a Three Lions recall just in time for the World Cup is unlikely, Chilwell remains hopeful that he can impress his former boss enough to make the plane to America next summer.
Tuchel was Chelsea manager when they won the Champions League in 2021, with Chilwell very much part of that European triumphant side. With fond memories of playing under the German, Chilwell is keeping his World Cup dream alive.
Some fans labelled Tuchel biased as ex-Chelsea man got an England call-up back in September, so perhaps Chilwell is in a strong position as a former blue himself to claw his way back into the international fold.
“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.
The 28-year-old has 21 England caps to his name, but hasn’t been included in a Three Lions squad since before Euro 2024.
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
Who Is Chilwell Competing With For England Left Back Place?
Even if Ben Chilwell has one of the best seasons of his career at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, he is up against some strong competition when it comes to securing the England left back spot for the 2026 World Cup.
It’s likely that Thomas Tuchel will take two left backs at least, meaning Chilwell will have to work his way back into the fold and impress his former boss if he is given a chance between now and then in any Three Lions friendlies.
Chilwell’s Chelsea links may well help him of course, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Reece James and Trevor Chalobah three current Chelsea players in the England set up.
Chelsea win more games without Palmer than they do with him, but he is sure to be one of Tuchel’s guaranteed picks if fit. Chilwell on the other hand has a lot of work to do.
The likes of Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Lewis Hall, Djed Spence, Keane Lewis-Potter, Luke Shaw and Tyrick Mitchell are seven other left backs in the running to make it on the plane to USA with the Three Lions.
Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is the third youngest player to score for England, is another option in the left back department.
Although it seems highly unlikely that Ben Chilwell regains his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad, he won’t stop trying until the very end.
