“Been over a year”: Chelsea star delighted with recent national call-up after injury issues

Ben Chilwell delighted with recent England squad call-up by Gareth Southgate as Chelsea star gets over injury issues

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is delighted to be back in the England fold after being called up to the recent squad by Gareth Southgate. The 25-year-old has missed past tournaments for his country due to injuries.

The Three Lions take on Italy and Germany in the international break. England are bottom of their group in the Nations League, with Hungary sitting at the top.

Speaking to club media on Twitter (h/t football.london), Chilwell expressed his joy over being called to represent England after a long time out. The left-back is rearing to get the opportunity to play in the upcoming fixtures.

“Yeah, for sure I’m delighted. It’s probably been over a year now since my last call-up. Obviously, I had the injury which stopped me from having the chance to play for my country in the past.

“After being out for six, seven, eight, or nine months I’m just really, really excited to get back and hopefully, I can get some game time, and it’s very exciting going into the World Cup.”

Chilwell joined Chelsea in the summer of 2020 from Leicester City. The 25-year-old had a decent debut campaign for the Blues. However, the 2021/22 campaign was one to forget for the England international.

The left-back had a rough time after a cruciate ligament injury ended his season in November last year. Chilwell returned to action in the first game of the new campaign in the 1-0 win over Everton.

However, the 25-year-old has had to compete with Marc Cucurella for a spot in the starting XI. The Spaniard signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the recent transfer window.

Cucurella seems to be the preferred option. Thomas Tuchel put faith in him before his departure. And now, Chelsea have also gotten Graham Potter from the Seagulls.

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In the national fold, the Blues full-back will be competing with Luke Shaw for a berth in Southgate’s XI. Both the players have not had a lot of opportunities at their respective clubs this season.

The Manchester United left-back performed well for England in their run to the Euro 2020 final. Chilwell went with the squad but did not play a single minute. Now, it remains to be seen how the Three Lions line up against Italy and Germany and whether the Chelsea defender is chosen by Southgate to be on the plane to Qatar.