Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, still finds himself marveling at the fact that he is celebrated as a star in a South American country. The story began in 2021 when a group of supporters launched an online campaign urging the Chilean federation to call him up after spotting his Chilean eligibility on the Football Manager database. Since that initial push, the Derby County striker has earned 42 caps for La Roja and found the net ten times.
"Every time I travel there I feel an incredible sense of belonging," Brereton-Diaz explains. "The reception from the fans is phenomenal.
The first call‑up was a whirlwind, and the love I received was overwhelming. Scoring goals and playing regularly has only deepened that connection." He adds that representing Chile has allowed him to make his family proud, bridging the gap between his life in England and his heritage in Chile. "I'm thrilled I chose this path; the experiences have been priceless.
I learn something new on every trip, and I hope the national team keeps inviting me," he says. Unfortunately, Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, a disappointment Brereton-Diaz says has only intensified the squad's resolve. "We were devastated not to qualify, but that pain fuels our ambition. Young talent is emerging, and we are constructing a side that can return to the biggest stage," he asserts.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s campaign in the Championship has been a roller‑coaster, yet it has provided a breakthrough platform for 22‑year‑old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin. Deployed either as a traditional full‑back or an attacking wing‑back, Devlin has become a standout performer for the Pompey side. "The season has had its highs and lows, but personally I’ve relished the chance to play week in, week out," Devlin remarks. "It’s my first full season with consistent minutes, and that stability has been huge.
I’d love to see the team climb the table, but for now I’m focused on delivering my best each game." He credits his progress to relentless professionalism and routine. "Consistency is the foundation. Day after day I repeat the same work ethic I practiced last season, and over time that shows up in performances. Being a good professional means giving 100 % every training session and match," he explains.
Devlin hopes to keep learning from senior teammates, fine‑tune his game, and eventually reach the level he aspires to. In a surprising twist to the 2024 summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis moved from Newcastle United to Brazilian side São Paulo on loan after a stint at Watford the previous season.
"It was late in the window, but the offer felt like a unique chance. Brazilian football has a massive global reputation, and I wanted to test myself in that environment," Lewis recalls. His Brazilian adventure was cut short, however.
After just six appearances, an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England. "I didn’t get to explore Brazil as much as I hoped.
São Paulo is a sprawling metropolis – you can drive an hour and still be in the same urban zone. The biggest regret is not speaking Portuguese, which limited my ability to connect with teammates and locals. I definitely plan to return someday," he says. At Watford, 26‑year‑old Imran Louza has taken on the captain’s armband following Moussa Sissoko’s departure to Panathinaikos.
"Leadership doesn’t happen overnight. In France it would have been easier to communicate, but after five years here I try to support the squad by example," Louza notes.
He emphasizes mutual respect: "They respect me, I respect them – that’s the cornerstone of my role." Louza admits he leads more through actions on the pitch than through speeches in the dressing room, though he is learning to find his voice when needed. "I give everything on the field – heart, passion, runs – and sometimes I have to raise my voice to motivate the group. You can’t be nice all the time; competitiveness drives us to win," he adds. World Cup champions rarely feature in the English second tier, yet Steven Nzonzi, a 2018 winner with France, smiles when recalling his most iconic moment.
He entered the 2018 final at the Luzhniki Stadium in the 55th minute, replacing none other than N'Golo Kanté while France led 2‑1 against Croatia. "The pressure was immense," Nzonzi reflects. "Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament was daunting, but I focused, and the game seemed to fade away.
Within ten minutes we added two more goals, and I felt a wave of relief." When Kylian Mbappé scored the fourth goal, Nzonzi felt the championship seal. "At 4‑1 I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even after the second goal, we knew the result was secure. That realization – we were champions – is unforgettable." He admits the moments after the final are a blur, but the memory of holding the Jules Rimet trophy remains vivid. "We went straight to the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed to see my son.
Whether I touched the trophy before or after that rush, the emotions were overwhelming. The photo of me with the trophy, the medal – those are memories you carry forever." The EFL schedule continues with a series of kick‑offs: Tuesday the 21st at 7.45 pm, 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 £250,000, with free entry available.