Chilwell was famously put in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ last year after falling out of favour under manager Enzo Maresca, who was keen to empty his squad of deadwood players who rarely featured for the side.
The defender opted to leave and start again in France and now finds himself at Strasbourg, Chelsea’s affiliated club. The left-back won the Champions League with Chelsea under former manager Thomas Tuchel's leadership in 2021 and made 107 for the Blues.
Speaking before his side faces Crystal Palace in the Conference League on Thursday night. Chilwell has revealed to BBC Sport how he would love to send a message to Chelsea and feature in the World Cup next year.
"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.
"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."
Although a call-up seems almost impossible, Chilwell has revealed that he has spoken to former manager Tuchel, in what is an interesting development.
"Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, 'No, he's not going, and it is impossible to go to the World Cup.
"We've 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."