Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell reveals how he became an England international

Ben Chilwell’s transition from Christian Fuchs’ understudy to senior England international was as swift as his forward runs. This summer an overhaul changed the face of the team; Leicester City’s left-back made his own dedicated improvements.

Following trust from club manager Claude Puel, Ben Chilwell completed a meteoric ascension to prominence for Leicester City this season. Making his senior England debut in a 1-0 win over Switzerland – symbolically, at the King Power Stadium.

In this week’s Daily Mail, Chilwell gave a frank and honest interview on how he managed to make such improvements through dedication over the summer:

"“I had a regime – I had what Leicester gave me but then I worked with a guy around my house, a guy that my agent recommended. I worked with him for the three weeks solid, leading back into pre-season. We were just doing horrible running. Minging running! It wasn’t pretty to be fair!“It was just sprints. Stuff that is relevant to my position, running up and down to the halfway line as much as I could. The MK Dons boys were there as well, doing training so I went to the other side of the pitch and kept at it. I don’t see what’s wrong with going to the local park“Over the summer, you do have to take that time to relax and go on holiday with your mates and get away from football. But the three weeks leading back into the season everything changed; the diet was strict – no alcohol. Training every day.“I feel like this season needs to be the season I push on. Last year was good but it wasn’t anywhere near I know what I can be – so over the summer it was about really just working as hard as I could so that when I came back for pre-season the gaffer didn’t have any choice but to start me.”– Ben Chilwell (Via: Daily Mail)"

A back to basics or organic regime is one way to succinctly describe the Leicester City left-back’s off-season upgrade. In all honesty, this writer was one who questioned Chilwell’s durability, strength, focus and style. Technique was one area that he obviously excelled in, but the ‘real’ Ben Chilwell has only ‘stood up’ or stood out consistently this campaign.

The man himself admitted he didn’t always give the best impression of his ability, stating: “It is frustrating when you are not showing everyone what you can do. I needed to come back. Yes, the first four games have gone well but it has to be the season where I play like that right through.”

Building for the future

A ‘summer of sacrifice’ is how Mail Sport’s Dominic King labeled Chilwell’s transformation. Gareth Southgate must have read the above article, because he immediately promoted the young player to the pinnacle level.

History making with Leicester City, via Opta.

Poignancy and growth materialised for the Leicester City and England defender, as shown in this Tweet. Following a tough training schedule of endurance and perseverance while other professionals over indulged in relaxation.

Chilwell is part of a relatable and down-to-earth collection of young-pros at Leicester City. They are under no illusions of the effort it takes to propel themselves beyond fringe club players. Therefore, Demarai Gray, James Maddison, along with Chilwell, are making their moves!

The latter was bowling with friends when England played Spain last weekend then found himself involved abruptly. Of his and Gray’s “whirlwind” call-up, Chilwell says: “We were just buzzing for each other. It was a perfect night, really.” Quote via Leicester Mercury.

On Saturday, the Foxes face Bournemouth away from home. This match will be a hard-fought occasion. Yet, Marc Albrighton correctly assessed to lcfc.com: “We’ve got the ability to get past them.”