Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, often finds himself pausing to believe that he truly is a star in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of supporters launched an online campaign after spotting his Chilean eligibility on a popular football simulation game. Their efforts paid off: Brereton-Diaz has since earned 42 caps for La Roja and found the net ten times. "Every time I step onto the pitch for Chile, it feels incredible," the Derby County attacker explains.
"The enthusiasm from the fans is overwhelming. My first call‑up was a whirlwind, and the love I received was beyond anything I imagined. Scoring goals and playing regularly has been a dream come true. I’m proud to make my family, who split their lives between Chile and England, feel proud as well.
Choosing to represent Chile was the best decision I could have made; the experiences have been priceless, and I’ve learned a great deal each time I wear the shirt. I hope to receive many more summons in the future." Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment that Brereton-Diaz says only fuels his determination. "We didn’t qualify this time, and that hurts, but it also motivates us to push harder.
There’s a wave of young talent emerging, and we’re laying the foundations for a team that can return to the biggest stage," he added. Meanwhile, at Portsmouth, 22‑year‑old Northern Irish midfielder Terry Devlin has turned a difficult campaign into a personal breakthrough. Deployed as either a right‑back or a right wing‑back, Devlin has become a regular feature in the Pompey lineup. "The season has had its highs and lows for the club, but personally I’ve thrived.
It’s my first full season of consistent minutes, which has been hugely positive. I aim to finish strongly and help the team climb out of the relegation zone," he said. Devlin attributes his progress to relentless consistency. "Day in, day out, I’ve kept the same work ethic I practiced last year and the year before.
Over time that consistency translates into better performances. Being a professional means giving your all every single day.
I’ll continue to learn from the senior players, refine my game, and stay disciplined. That’s the only way I can keep moving toward the level I aspire to reach," he explained. In a surprising twist to the 2024 summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis made a brief but memorable 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 exciting.
Everyone knows how revered Brazilian football is, and I wanted to test myself in a different market and soak up a new culture," Lewis, now with Preston North End, recalled. His Brazilian adventure was cut short 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. São Paulo is massive; you can drive for an hour and still be in the same urban sprawl.
It was a breath of fresh air, though I regret not speaking Portuguese, which would have helped me connect more with teammates and fans. I’d love to return someday," he added. At Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband, succeeding Moussa Sissoko after his January departure.
"Leadership doesn’t happen overnight. In France it would be easier to communicate, but after five years here I try to support the lads.
Respect is mutual; that’s the cornerstone of my approach," Louza said. He prefers to lead by example on the field rather than through constant chatter in the dressing room, though he acknowledges the need to be vocal at times.
"I pour my heart, passion, and effort into every run and tackle. Occasionally I have to raise my voice to motivate the team – you can’t be nice all the time. I’m competitive and want to win every game, and that intensity helps drive the squad forward," he explained.
Former World Cup champion Steven Nzonzi, now plying his trade in the Championship, still smiles when he recalls his most iconic moment in 2018. In the World Cup 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 massive. I was coming on for arguably the tournament’s best player, and I had to block out everything else and focus entirely on the task.
When we scored two more goals shortly after, I felt a wave of relief and gave everything I could," Nzonzi recounted. The fourth goal, a strike from Kylian Mbappé, cemented his belief that France were destined to lift the trophy.
"At 4‑1 I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even when the second goal came, the result was already sealed. That’s when the realization hit – we were champions," he said. He admits the moments following the final whistle are a blur. "We went straight to the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed to see my son.
I’m not sure if I held the trophy before or after that, 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," Nzonzi reflected. Upcoming fixtures: Tuesday 21 – all matches kick off at 7.45 pm; Wednesday 22 – all matches kick off at 7.45 pm unless otherwise noted. Plus, enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free.