Chilwell wants to give World Cup 'middle finger' to critics

Strasbourg defender Ben Chilwell has set his sights on delivering "the biggest middle finger" to his critics by winning a place in England's World Cup squad.

Chilwell, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, is attempting to breathe new life into his stagnant career after leaving Stamford Bridge for France.

The 28-year-old left-back spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and faces the Eagles with Strasbourg in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.

Chilwell tore his cruciate ligament during his time at Chelsea in 2021 and missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a hamstring injury.

As his form dipped, he failed to win over Enzo Maresca when the Italian took charge at Chelsea last year.

Chilwell was dumped in Maresca's so-called 'bomb squad' of unwanted players before leaving the Premier League club, first in a disappointing spell with Palace and then in a permanent switch to the Ligue 1 side in September.

"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 on Wednesday.

"It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is a motivation.

"Chelsea were 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."

Chilwell has been a consistent performer for Strasbourg, who are managed by former Hull boss Liam Rosenior.

Capped 21 times by England, Chilwell believes he still has time to convince Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel to hand him a first international appearance since March 2024.

England have two friendlies in March before Tuchel names his squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, 'No, he's not going, and it is impossible to go to the World Cup'," Chilwell said.

"(Tuchel and I have) had conversations since he's got the job at England. I'll try and word it right -- it has been said that it's not out of the equation."