I’m so Chilled about Ben

FOXES CAN KEEP ACE

LEICESTER boss Claude Puel says he has no fears about losing new England star Ben Chilwell.

Puel says the Three Lions defender is happy with the Foxes and Leicester are confident of keeping him despite his rapid rise to fame.

Chilwell, 21, made his first England start last month and starred in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Croatia.

He is already being tipped to become Gareth Southgate’s firstchoice left-back.

But Leicester tied him down to a sixyear deal in October and Puel insists they are not concerned about bigger clubs swooping for him.

Ambition

“He’s under contract and signed another one with us,” said Puel.

“He’s happy to play for this club. He’s been here a long time, since he was eight or nine. It’s fantastic and he likes Leicester.

“Of course ‘Chilly’ and Harry Maguire are different players and we need to continue with them and give them the ambition of the club.

“We have to progress to keep the players but they can win something with Leicester and we have to improve all the time to respond to their ambition.”

Puel made Chilwell his first-choice left-back last summer instead of 2016 Premier League title-winner Christian Fuchs. And the Frenchman says Chilwell has risen to the challenge.

“I’m proud of Chilly, of course,” said Puel. “It can give an example to all academy players.

“Last season he was not consistent every time but he has found good maturity in his play.”

Puel’s side face Brighton tomorrow with the manager urging his players to focus on football following the helicopter crash last month that claimed the life of their chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who knew the Thai businessman, will visit the King Power Stadium next Wednesday to

pay their respects.