Ben Brereton-Diaz, the Stoke-on-Trent native who now stars for Chile, often finds himself still in disbelief that he is regarded as a hero in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of internet supporters noticed his Chilean eligibility on a popular football simulation game and launched a campaign urging the national team to call him up. Their efforts paid off, and since that breakthrough Brereton-Diaz has earned 42 caps and found the net ten times for La Roja. "Every time I set foot on Chilean soil I feel an incredible rush," the Derby County forward explains.
"The enthusiasm from the fans is something I could never have imagined back home. The first call‑up was a whirlwind – the love and support were overwhelming, and scoring goals for the side has only added to that feeling.
It’s a huge honour to make my family proud, both the relatives who live in Chile and those back in England. Deciding to represent Chile has given me experiences I’ll treasure forever, and each invitation to join the squad feels like a gift. I hope there will be many more in the future." Unfortunately, Chile have missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz acknowledges but uses as motivation.
"We didn’t qualify this time and it hurt, but it fuels our determination. A new generation of talented youngsters is emerging, and we’re building a side that can return to the global stage. The future looks promising and I’m excited to be part of that journey." In the English Championship, Portsmouth have endured a difficult campaign, languishing near the bottom of the table.
Yet for 22‑year‑old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin, the season has been a personal breakthrough. Deployed both as a traditional full‑back and a more attacking wing‑back, Devlin says, "There have been highs and lows for the club, but on an individual level I’ve really enjoyed the experience.
This is my first season where I’ve been trusted with regular minutes, and that consistency has helped me grow. I’d love to see the team climb higher in the standings, but being able to stake my claim week after week has been hugely rewarding." Devlin credits his steady improvement to relentless professionalism.
"It boils down to consistency," he notes. "Day in, day out I’ve been applying the same work ethic I practiced in previous seasons. Over time that repetition translates into better performances on the pitch. Being a good professional means giving 100 % every training session and match.
I’ll keep learning from the senior players, fine‑tuning my game, and staying disciplined – that’s the recipe for reaching the level I aspire to." Across the Atlantic, an unexpected loan move caught the eye of many during the 2024 summer window. After a season on loan at Watford, midfielder Jamal Lewis made a short‑term switch from Newcastle United to Brazil’s São Paulo FC. "The deal came late in the transfer window, but it felt like a fantastic opportunity," Lewis, now playing for Preston North End, recalls.
"Brazilian football has such a global reputation, and I wanted to test myself in a different environment, experience a new culture, and showcase my abilities to a fresh audience." His Brazilian adventure was abruptly curtailed when an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England after just six appearances. Reflecting on his brief stint, Lewis says, "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 a similar neighbourhood. It was a breath of fresh air, but my biggest regret is not speaking Portuguese, which limited my ability to connect with teammates and fans.
I definitely hope to return someday, maybe when I’m fluent enough to fully immerse myself." At Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has emerged as the club’s captain and on‑field leader. He assumed the armband permanently after Moussa Sissoko’s departure for Panathinaikos in February. "Being a captain takes time to earn," Louza admits. "If I were still in France, communication would be easier, but after five years in England I focus on supporting my teammates.
Respect is mutual – they trust me and I respect them, which is the foundation of good leadership." Louza prefers to lead by example rather than by constant chatter in the dressing room, though he admits the vocal side of the role grows with experience. "I always give my heart, my passion, my runs – everything – on the pitch.
Sometimes I have to raise my voice and shout to motivate the group; a captain must be ready to be firm when needed. You can’t be nice all the time. My competitive nature drives me to win every match, and that energy helps the whole squad." World Cup winners rarely feature in the English second tier, yet former French champion Steven Nzonzi brings a unique pedigree to the Championship. He reminisces about his most iconic moment: entering the 2018 World Cup final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the 55th minute, with France leading Croatia 2‑1, replacing none other than N'Golo Kanté.
"The pressure was immense," Nzonzi says. "Replacing arguably the best player of the tournament was daunting, but once I stepped onto the pitch everything else faded.
We scored a couple more goals shortly after, and I was just focused on doing my job." When Kylian Mbappé added the fourth goal, Nzonzi felt the reality of becoming a world champion sink 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 moment cemented our status as champions." He admits the post‑match celebrations are a blur.
"After the final whistle we ran to meet the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed home to see my son. I’m not sure if I held the trophy before or after that, everything happened so fast.
The memories – the trophy in my hands, the medal around my neck – are moments I’ll cherish for the rest of my life." The upcoming week of EFL action includes kick‑offs on Tuesday the 21st at 7:45 pm and Wednesday the 22nd at the same time, unless otherwise noted. Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with free entry available.