World Cup stories: Meet the National League player representing New Zealand this summer

The FIFA World Cup always throws up some incredible storylines, and this one will be no different as a record 48 national teams compete in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Not only does the tournament stage some of the globe's greatest talent, but it also allows lesser-known stars and countries to pit themselves against leading names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Incredibly, there will be a Non-League player representing New Zealand this summer, having been called up by manager Darren Bazeley.

But who is he? DAZN News takes a look at the Braintree Town man heading to the grandest stage this summer.

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Tommy Smith ready for second World Cup appearance

Not only will Tommy Smith be waving the National League flag at the World Cup, but he will be playing in the tournament for the first time since 2010.

Sixteen years ago, the All Whites qualified for the competition in South Africa for the first time since 1982 and caused quite a stir.

New Zealand may not have found their way out of the group, but they went unbeaten, drawing all three of their games against Slovakia, Paraguay and the reigning champions, Italy.

Smith, who was plying his trade at Championship side Ipswich Town back then, played every minute of every match as his country finished third, one point above Marcello Lippi's men.

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Smith has endured torrid National League season

It has been a season like no other in the National League with York City and Rochdale promoted in the most dramatic fashion, but on the other end of the spectrum, it has been one to forget for Braintree.

The Essex club were lingering near the bottom of the table for most of the campaign, but their dire end-of-season form meant they were relegated to the sixth tier.

Smith signed from New Zealand outfit Auckland last summer but was unable to make the impact he desired as he missed a substantial chunk of the season through injury, making just 17 appearances.

At 36, this will almost certainly be the centre-back's last World Cup, and he will be doing all he can to guide his country to their first-ever win at the tournament.

New Zealand face Belgium, Egypt and Iran in Group G, with the All Whites kicking off their tournament against Iran on Tuesday, June 16.

DAZN/FIFA

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