Ben Brereton-Diaz, the Stoke-on-Trent native who now stars for Chile, often finds himself needing a quick reality check that he truly is a football hero on the other side of the Andes. The story began in 2021 when a group of online supporters, spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager database, launched a campaign urging the national team to give him a look.
Their plea paid off: Brereton-Diaz has since earned 42 caps and found the net ten times for La Roja. "Every time I step onto that pitch, I feel an incredible joy," the Derby County forward explains. "The reception from the fans is phenomenal. The first call‑up was a whirlwind – the love and excitement were overwhelming.
Scoring goals and playing regularly has only added to that feeling. I’m proud to make my family—both in Chile and in England—feel proud. It’s a wonderful bridge between two cultures." He adds that choosing to represent Chile was one of the best decisions of his career.
"The experiences have been amazing, and each call‑up feels like a gift. I hope to receive many more in the future." Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz says has only intensified the squad’s resolve.
"We were gutted not to qualify, but that disappointment fuels us. A new generation of talent is emerging, and we’re building a team that can return to the world stage. The future looks promising." Across the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, yet for 22‑year‑old Terry Devlin the season has marked a personal breakthrough. The Northern Irish right‑back, who also operates as a wing‑back, has become a regular fixture in the Pompey lineup.
"There have been ups and downs for the club, but personally I’ve really enjoyed the consistency of playing week in, week out. It’s my first season with regular minutes, and I hope to finish strongly," he says.
Devlin acknowledges that the team’s position in the table is far from ideal, but he remains optimistic. "I’d love to see us climb higher, but it’s been great to establish myself and contribute each week. Consistency is key for me. I’ve been doing the same work day after day for the past two seasons, and that dedication starts to show on the pitch.
Being a professional means giving your all every single training session." He continues, "I’ll keep learning from the senior players, polishing the weaker parts of my game, and staying consistent. That’s how I’ll keep progressing toward the level I aspire to reach." In a surprising twist during the 2024 summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis made a short‑lived move from Newcastle United to Brazil’s São Paulo after a loan spell at Watford. "It was late in the window, but the opportunity sounded fantastic.
Brazilian football has such a global reputation, and I wanted to test myself in a different environment," Lewis recalls, now back at Preston North End. His Brazilian adventure was cut short after just six appearances when an injury sustained on international duty forced his return to England. "I didn’t get to explore much of Brazil beyond travelling to matches.
São Paulo is massive; you can drive an hour and still be in the same urban sprawl. It was a refreshing change, though I regret not speaking Portuguese fluently enough to connect more deeply with teammates and fans. I hope to visit again later in life." Meanwhile, at Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has cemented his role as club captain after inheriting the armband from Moussa Sissoko in February. "Being a captain takes time.
If I were still in France, communication would be easier, but after five years in England I focus on supporting the lads. Respect goes both ways, and leadership feels natural to me," Louza explains. He emphasizes leading by example rather than by constant chatter.
"I pour my heart, passion, and effort into every run and tackle. Sometimes I have to raise my voice in the dressing room because the captain must motivate the group.
Positivity and a competitive spirit are essential – you can’t be nice all the time if you want to win." The Championship also boasts a rare presence of a World Cup winner: Steven Nzonzi, who still smiles when he remembers his most iconic moment in the 2018 final. Coming on in the 55th minute at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, he replaced none other than N’Golo Kanté with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia. "It was immense pressure," Nzonzi admits. "Replacing perhaps the best player of the tournament was daunting, but once I stepped onto the pitch everything else faded." He recounts the surge of confidence when Kylian Mbappé added a fourth goal.
"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 realization cemented our status as champions." The aftermath was a blur of celebrations, flag‑waving fans, and a fleeting moment holding the coveted trophy.
"I can’t remember if I touched the World Cup before or after meeting my son, everything was happening at once. The images of the trophy in my hands and the medal around my neck are memories that will stay with me forever." These stories illustrate the diverse journeys within the English Football League – from a Chilean international finding his place far from home, to a young Irish defender carving out consistency, to a player exploring South American culture, a captain leading by deeds, and a World Cup hero now plying his trade in the Championship. Each narrative underscores the blend of ambition, resilience, and cultural exchange that defines modern football. Upcoming fixtures: - Tuesday 21 – All matches kick off at 7:45 pm - Wednesday 22 – All matches kick off at 7:45 pm unless noted otherwise Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free.