Ben Brereton-Diaz, the former Stoke‑on‑Trent youngster, often finds himself still in disbelief that he is celebrated as a star in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of dedicated supporters launched a social‑media campaign to persuade the Chilean national team to call him up after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager database. Since that initial outreach, the Derby forward has earned 42 caps for La Roja and found the back of the net ten times.
"Every time I travel there I feel an incredible joy," Brereton-Diaz explains. "The reception from the fans is phenomenal. The first call‑up was a whirlwind experience – the love and support we received were overwhelming. Scoring goals and featuring regularly has only deepened my connection with the country." He adds that representing Chile also allows him to honor his mixed heritage and make his family proud, whether they are in Chile or England.
"Choosing to play for Chile has been one of the best decisions of my career," he says. "The experiences have been unforgettable, 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 acknowledges. Yet he remains optimistic about the team's rebuilding process. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it fuels our determination.
We have a wave of young talent emerging, and the project we are building looks very promising for the years ahead." Meanwhile, at Portsmouth, 22‑year‑old Northern Irish defender Terry Devlin has turned a difficult campaign for the club into a personal breakthrough. Deployed mainly as a right‑back or right wing‑back, Devlin has become a consistent presence in the Pompey lineup. "The season has had its ups and downs, but on a personal level I’ve really enjoyed the challenge," he admits. "It’s my first full season playing week in, week out, and that consistency has helped me grow.
I’d love to see the team climb higher in the table, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and hope to finish the season strongly." Devlin attributes his development to a disciplined routine and a professional mindset. "Consistency is key," he notes.
"Day after day I’ve been doing the same work I did last year and the year before. Over time that steadiness translates into better performances.
I keep learning from senior teammates and fine‑tuning my game, aiming to reach the level I know I’m capable of." In a surprising twist to the 2024 summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis made an unconventional move from Newcastle to Brazil’s São Paulo after a loan spell at Watford. "It happened late in the window, but the opportunity was too good to pass up," Lewis recalls.
"Brazilian football has a massive global reputation, and I wanted to test myself in a different market, experience a new culture, and see how the league operates." His Brazilian adventure was cut short, however, when an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England after just six appearances. "I didn’t get to explore much of Brazil beyond traveling to matches," he says. "São Paulo is a sprawling metropolis – you can drive for an hour and still be in essentially the same area. The biggest regret is not speaking Portuguese, which limited my ability to connect with teammates and locals.
I’d love to return someday and experience more of the country." At Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has stepped into the captain’s armband, taking over from Moussa Sissoko after the latter’s departure to Panathinaikos in February. "Being a captain takes time to settle into," Louza explains.
"If I were still in France, communication would be easier, but after five years in England I focus on supporting my teammates. Mutual respect is the foundation of my leadership." Louza prefers to lead by example on the pitch rather than through constant chatter in the dressing room, though he acknowledges the need to raise his voice when required. "I always give my heart, my passion, and my effort on the field," he says. "Sometimes you have to shout to motivate the group – you can’t be nice all the time.
I’m competitive and want to win every match, and that intensity helps the squad." Former World Cup champion Steven Nzonzi, now plying his trade in the Championship, still smiles when he recalls the pinnacle of his career – the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow. Entering the match in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, he replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté. "The pressure was immense," Nzonzi reflects.
"You’re coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament, and you have to be completely focused. When I stepped onto the pitch we soon extended the lead, and I felt a huge sense of relief." He remembers the moment France scored the fourth goal through Kylian Mbappé as the point when the reality of becoming world champions sank in. "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 of certainty is something you never forget." Nzonzi admits the celebrations that followed were a blur, with the trophy, the flag, and the joy of seeing his son all blending into a single, unforgettable memory. "Holding the World Cup, receiving the medal – those are moments that stay with you for a lifetime." The EFL continues to deliver compelling stories across its clubs, with matches scheduled throughout the week. On Tuesday the 21st, all games kick off at 7:45 pm, and on Wednesday the 22nd the same timing applies unless otherwise noted. Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available.