Tommy Smith: Braintree Town defender embracing ‘special’ New Zealand regime

16 years after playing for New Zealand in South Africa in 2010, Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith is looking forward to the “crowning glory of his career” as he prepares to take part in his second World Cup.

The former Ipswich Town and Colchester United defender, 36, has been selected in the All Whites’ 26-man squad by head coach Darren Bezeley and has adapted to his new surroundings after flying the squad to Florida last month.

New Zealand won the group along with Belgium, Egypt and Iran and will be in San Diego during the tournament with their first match against Iran in Los Angeles on June 16.

Ahead of Inter Miami’s first warm-up match against Haiti at Chase Stadium on Wednesday (01:00 BST), Smith – who was born in Macclesfield but spent much of his youth in New Zealand – is ready to test himself again against the world’s best.

“I’m 36 now, and realistically it’s not going to happen again for me as a player, so I’m just trying to embrace every moment, enjoy it, contribute as much as I can and enjoy the whole experience,” Smith told BBC Radio Essex.

“I grew up in New Zealand and the connection you feel to a place if you live there is something special and that’s something I’ve never taken for granted.

“There were times in the past when it wasn’t as strong as it is now, the tension of playing for New Zealand.

“Under the regime and the previous regime, they’ve really made it a special environment where everyone wants to show up and give their best every time.”