(Reuters) – Chelsea left again Ben Chilwell mentioned he’s decided to nail down a starting spot within the England facet for the World Cup in Qatar following a “troublesome” time in his profession.
Chilwell was chosen in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships final yr however didn’t make a single look of their run to the ultimate, the place they misplaced to Italy.
He then struggled for recreation time at Chelsea and was largely missed in August and September earlier than scoring three objectives in three video games in October, in addition to a World Cup qualifying aim for England.
However, he picked up an anterior cruciate ligament damage in November which sidelined him till a substitute look in Chelsea’s final league recreation of the season in May.
“I’ve dreamt of taking part in in a World Cup since I can keep in mind and to know it is simply across the nook is extra motivation than you’ll be able to know to attempt to seal that spot down,” Chilwell advised reporters earlier than travelling to the United States with Chelsea for a pre-season tour.
“Not only for myself however for my household – particularly after the Euros in what was a troublesome time for me. Over the subsequent three or 4 months I’m simply going to do every thing that I can to attempt to ensure that is my spot.”
The 25-year-old mentioned Southgate had remained in contact throughout his rehabilitation.
“It’s good to really feel that while you’re not there the supervisor is searching and maintaining a tally of you,” Chilwell mentioned. “It’s optimistic as a result of it means I’m nonetheless in his ideas.”
Chelsea kick off the brand new league marketing campaign with a visit to Everton on Aug. 6.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
