Ben Brereton-Diaz, the former Stoke‑on‑Trent youngster, often finds himself marveling at the surreal fact that he is now regarded as a star in a South American nation. The story began in 2021 when a group of fans, spotting his Chilean heritage on the Football Manager database, launched an online campaign urging the Chilean federation to call him up. Their efforts paid off, and since that breakthrough Brereton-Diaz has amassed 42 caps and found the net ten times for La Roja.
"Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, it feels like a celebration," the Derby County forward explains. "The enthusiasm from the supporters is incredible.
The first call‑up was a whirlwind – the love and warmth I received were overwhelming, and scoring goals for the team has only amplified that feeling. It’s a huge honour to make my family proud, both here in England and back in Chile." He adds that the decision to represent Chile has enriched his life beyond football. "The experiences I've had have been amazing.
Each call‑up is a chance to learn and grow, and I hope there are many more to come," he says. Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz acknowledges.
Yet he remains optimistic about the nation’s rebuilding efforts. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it fuels our determination.
We have a wave of young talent emerging, and we’re laying the foundations for a brighter future," he asserts. Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s campaign in the Championship has been a roller‑coaster, but for 22‑year‑old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin it has marked a breakthrough season.
Deployed either as a traditional right‑back or a more attacking wing‑back, Devlin has become a mainstay in the Pompey lineup. "There have been ups and downs for the club, but personally I’ve loved every minute," Devlin says. "This is my first season playing regular minutes, and that consistency has been a massive boost.
I’m hoping to finish the campaign strongly and help the team climb the table." He credits his progress to relentless professionalism and routine. "It boils down to consistency," he notes. "Day after day I’ve stuck to the same training habits I followed last year and the year before. Over time that steadiness translates into better performances.
Being a good professional means giving 100 % every single day." Devlin emphasizes that learning from senior teammates is key to his development. "I’ll keep absorbing advice, refining parts of my game, and staying consistent. That’s the path to reaching the level I aspire to," he concludes. In a surprising twist during the 2024 summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis made an unconventional move from Newcastle United to Brazil’s São Paulo, after a loan spell at Watford the previous season.
Lewis, now with Preston North End, recalls the timing of the deal. "It happened late in the window, but the opportunity was too enticing to pass up.
Everyone knows how revered Brazilian football is, and I wanted to test myself in that environment." He describes the experience as eye‑opening, despite it being cut short by injury. After just six appearances, an international call‑up saw him sustain a setback that forced a return to England. "I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I’d hoped – even São Paulo is massive, you can drive an hour and still be in a similar zone. It was a breath of fresh air, though.
My only regret is not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans. I definitely want to go back someday." Watford’s captaincy baton has been passed to 26‑year‑old Imran Louza, who has worn the armband for the bulk of the current season after Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos in February. Louza reflects on the responsibilities of leadership. "Being a captain takes time to settle into.
In France I’d have been more comfortable communicating, but after five years in England I focus on supporting the squad. Respect is mutual, and that’s the foundation of my role.
Leadership feels natural to me." He prefers to lead by example on the field rather than through endless pep talks, though he acknowledges the need to be vocal at times. "I give everything – heart, passion, runs – on the pitch. Sometimes I have to raise my voice to motivate the lads; a captain can’t always be nice. I’m competitive, I want us to win every game, and that drive helps the whole team." World Cup glory is a rare accolade among Championship players, yet Steven Nzonzi still smiles when he recalls his most iconic moment in 2018.
In the final at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, he entered the fray in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, replacing none other than N’Golo Kanté. "The pressure was immense," Nzonzi admits.
"Coming on for arguably the tournament’s best player was daunting, but you have to block out everything else and focus. When I stepped on, we soon added two more goals within ten minutes. I felt a huge relief and just gave my best." He vividly remembers the fourth goal, struck by Kylian Mbappé, cementing the victory. "At 4‑1 I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even after the second goal, we knew the match was ours.
That instant made it clear we were champions." The aftermath was a blur of celebrations, flag‑waving fans, and a fleeting moment with the coveted trophy. "After the game we rushed to meet the supporters, waved the French flag, and I got to see my son. I’m not sure if I held the cup before or after that, everything happened so fast! The memories – the trophy in my hands, the medal – are unforgettable for life." The EFL schedule continues with a packed lineup: Tuesday 21 – all matches kick off at 7.45 pm; Wednesday 22 – the same start time unless otherwise noted.
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