Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell has made the England left-back position his own

Ben Chilwell is now favourite to become England’s favoured left-back among many spectators and experts; after emerging as Leicester City’s most improved player this campaign and subsequently forcing his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans:

Through dedication and perseverance over the summer, Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell became first choice left-back at the King Power Stadium; earning his initial senior caps. Whilst, making it hard for Luke Shaw and Danny Rose to reclaim the position at England from the 21-year-old.

At the time other elite professionals were lounging around on a well-earned holiday from the Premier League, Chilwell was working out and running sprints in his local Milton Keynes park. Daily Mail reported this occurrence as the Three Lions powered to a World Cup semi-finals appearance; naming it the former Young Lion’s: ‘summer of sacrifice’.

Ashley Young was the man deservedly making decent displays for Gareth Southgate’s side in Russia; though Luke Shaw seemingly ousted him for Manchester United and country. Then more injuries, or fitness concerns, derailed that impressive push from Shaw.

Similarly, and ironically, the same can be said, in part, with Rose; he and Ben Davies battle for left-sided supremacy, as well as pristine conditioning, at Tottenham Hotspur. In the meantime, Leicester City’s No.3 took aim and smashed his required target: debut and successive matches in place of the formerly mentioned countrymen.

The surely ecstatic Leicester City defender tweeted his happiness at playing for the English seniors; disappointment at the Croatian result and relishing the Spanish clash.

In fact, the East Midlands club player experienced a fantastic result and performance in Seville as the Three Lions won 3-2; thoroughly convincing first-half. Many national journalists enjoyed and championed the young professional’s efforts and skill.

Along with praise and premonition from the Mail on how incredible this breakout season could be for the Leicester City academy graduate, Sky Sports also prophetically described the starlet as possibly the ‘next big thing’, in August.

Following this, the outlet cite various elements of the attacking-full-back’s attributes: clocked as the fastest Fox in the premiership; and quickest of the either squad, versus Southampton.

Sky Sports went on to say:

"“Chilwell has represented England at U18, U19, U20 and U21 level with his name often mentioned in scouting circles because of his rare ability with his trusted left foot. Arsenal and Liverpool were thought to be tracking him…”"

Chilwell says his fellow England team members have a high intensity in training and that he hasn’t been allowed to ease into life as a full international. Naturally, this increases competition, work ethic; inevitably boosting the young footballer’s motivation and performance level.

Once a loanee at Huddersfield Town, Chilwell did not impress as much against the Spanish as he did in the Croatia clash; yet he had to defend more in the latter match. Consequently, the defender showed both sides to his game: not just the modern attack element but the resolve to dig in. Let’s hope Southgate sees it that way; it is progression for the player and club.