Chilwell eyeing England starting spot at World Cup

By Adeleye Kunle

Chelsea’s left winger Following a “difficult” period in his career, Ben Chilwell is determined to secure a starting spot in England’s World Cup squad in Qatar.

Chilwell was named to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships last year but did not play a single minute of their run to the final, where they were defeated by Italy.

He then struggled for game time at Chelsea and went largely unnoticed in August and September before scoring three goals in three games in October, including a World Cup qualifying goal for England.

However, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in November, which kept him out until a cameo appearance in Chelsea’s final league game of the season in May.

“I’ve dreamed of playing in a World Cup since I can remember, and knowing it’s just around the corner is more motivation than you can know to try and seal that spot down,” Chilwell told reporters before departing for a pre-season tour in the United States with Chelsea.

“Not only for myself, but also for my family, especially after the Euros, which came at a difficult time for me.” I’m just going to do everything I can over the next three or four months to make sure that’s my spot.”

The 25-year-old said Southgate had kept in touch with him throughout his rehabilitation.

“It’s nice to know that even when you’re not there, the manager is keeping an eye on you,” Chilwell said. “It’s a good sign because it means I’m still on his mind.”

Chelsea’s new league season begins on August 6 with a trip to Everton.