Ben Brereton Diaz, the former Stoke‑on‑Trent youngster, often finds himself pinching his own face in disbelief when he thinks about his status as a football icon in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of dedicated supporters launched an online campaign to push for his inclusion in the Chilean national side after spotting his Chilean heritage on a popular football simulation game. Their efforts paid off, and since that breakthrough he has 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 there is phenomenal. The first call‑up was a whirlwind – the love and enthusiasm I received were overwhelming.
Scoring goals and getting regular minutes has only added to that feeling. I’m proud to be part of a project that makes my family, split between Chile and England, feel a deep sense of pride." He adds, "Choosing to represent Chile was one of the best decisions of my life.
The experiences have been priceless, and each call‑up feels like a fresh adventure. I hope the national team continues to give me more opportunities in the future." Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton Diaz acknowledges with a mixture of frustration and determination.
"Missing out on the tournament hurt, but it fuels our ambition," he says. "We have a wave of young talent emerging, and we’re laying the foundations for a side that can return to the biggest stage. The future looks very promising." --- Portsmouth’s campaign this season has been a roller‑coaster, with the club languishing near the bottom of the Championship table.
Yet for 22‑year‑old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin, it has been a personal breakthrough. Deployed both as a traditional full‑back and as an attacking wing‑back, Devlin has become a key figure for the Pompey side. "There have been highs and lows for the team, but on a personal level I’ve really enjoyed the experience," Devlin says.
"This is my first season where I’ve been trusted to play week in, week out, and that consistency has been huge for my development. I’m hoping to finish the campaign on a high note." He admits he would love to see Portsmouth climb higher in the standings, but stresses the importance of his own growth. "I want the club to be in a more comfortable position, and I’ll do everything I can to help us get there.
For now, I’m focused on keeping my performance levels steady and building on what I’ve learned from the senior players." Devlin attributes his progress to relentless professionalism. "It’s all about consistency," he explains. "Day after day I repeat the same routines that helped me improve last season and the one before that. Over time those habits translate into better performances on the pitch.
Being a good professional means giving 100 % every training session and match, and that’s what I aim to do." --- One of the most unexpected moves of the 2024 summer transfer window saw Jamal Lewis, after a loan spell at Watford, make a brief switch from Newcastle United to São Paulo in Brazil. The English midfielder, now back at Preston North End, recalls the timing of the deal: "It happened pretty late in the window, but it sounded like an exciting chance. Everyone knows how revered Brazilian football is worldwide, and I wanted to test myself in that environment." Lewis describes the Brazilian stint as a cultural eye‑opener. "Playing in a different market, experiencing a new country, meeting the people and feeling the vibe of the league – it was an amazing experience," he says.
Unfortunately, his Brazilian adventure was cut short after just six appearances when an injury sustained on international duty forced him to return to England. Reflecting on his time in São Paulo, Lewis admits, "I didn’t get to explore much of Brazil beyond travelling to the matches. São Paulo is massive; you could drive for an hour and still be in a similar neighbourhood.
The only regret I have is not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more with teammates and fans. I’d love to go back someday and experience the country more fully." --- At Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband, stepping into the role permanently after Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos in February.
"Being a captain takes time to grow into," Louza admits. "If I were still in France, communicating would be easier, but after five years in England I’ve learned to lead by example and earn the respect of my teammates." He emphasizes that his leadership style is grounded in actions rather than words. "I always give my heart, my energy, and my runs on the pitch.
Sometimes I have to raise my voice and be more vocal in the dressing room because that’s part of the captain’s responsibility. I try to stay positive, push the team forward, and never shy away from a bit of tough love when it’s needed." Louza adds that his competitive nature drives him to want to win every match, and that mindset helps him motivate the squad. "You can’t be nice all the time.
When the team needs a spark, I’m there to provide it, whether that’s through a shout, a gesture, or simply leading by example." --- World Cup winners rarely appear in the English Championship, yet Steven Nzonzi, a 2018 French champion, still smiles when he recalls the pinnacle of his career. He entered the 2018 World Cup final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the 55th minute, replacing none other than N'Golo Kanté with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia.
"The pressure was immense," Nzonzi reflects. "Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament was a huge responsibility.
I had to block everything else out and focus entirely on the task at hand." He describes the subsequent minutes as a whirlwind. "We scored a couple of goals shortly after I came on, and the atmosphere was electric. When Kylian Mbappé added the fourth, I truly believed we were on our way to becoming world champions." Nzonzi admits that the moment the fourth goal went in is when the reality of victory truly sank in.
"We looked at each other and knew the title was ours. Even after the second goal, the result didn’t matter – we were already champions in our minds." The aftermath was a blur of celebrations, flag‑waving fans, and a priceless memory of holding the Jules Rimet trophy. "I can’t remember exactly when I first touched the trophy, but the images of me with the cup and the medal are forever etched in my mind.
Those moments are unforgettable for a lifetime," he says. --- EFL fans can catch all the action on Sky Sports+ or stream via NOW, with upcoming fixtures scheduled for Tuesday the 21st at 7.45 pm and Wednesday the 22nd at the same time, unless otherwise noted.
Additionally, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available for supporters. Overall, the stories highlighted this week showcase the diverse journeys of players navigating international duty, personal development, unexpected transfers, leadership roles, and the lingering glow of world‑cup glory—all while competing in the demanding environment of the English Championship.