Jamaica are set to call-up 10 England stars, getting them ready for the 2022 World Cup, and what an impressive change it could be.
Now it may be over 18 months away but Jamaica’s football federation are already making moves to acquire citizenship for several high-profile players.
The national team haven’t appeared in a World Cup since 1998, however this current – and potential team being lined up would give them a huge chance of reaching the promised land come next year.
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In an interview with SportsMax this week, JFF President Michael Ricketts spoke about the 10-player shortlist they aim to call-up ahead of next year’s tournament.
“Looking at the [above] list, I see Andre Gray, I see Demarai Gray, I see Isaac Hayden, who himself called the JFF to express his desire.” he said.
“Mason Holgate, Liam Moore, who has actually acquired his Jamaican passport, Nathan Redmond, Kemar Roofe and Ivan Toney. All of these are in the process of acquiring their Jamaican passport.”
Ricketts says the process has been “a little tedious” because of the pandemic but the process “is ongoing”.
He continued, saying: “We are hopeful we will get the passports for these gentlemen in reasonable time. We have been having discussions.”
JFF President Michael Ricketts confirmed all of these players (except Max Aarons) listed + Michail Antonio have or are in the process of acquiring passports for Jamaica MNT
via @SportsMax_Carib 🇯🇲 #jff pic.twitter.com/MzIaZDPzO0
— chris bowerbank (@chrisbowerbank) March 3, 2021
A Premier League player, who has certainly been thriving during the 2020/21 season, switches allegiance from England to Jamaica.
West Ham forward Michail Antonio is reportedly set to ditch international allegiance England so that he can play for the Caribbean island nation in a bid to play in the 2022 World Cup.
Antonio has previously turned down the chance to represent Jamaica in 2016 and was later called up to England squads by Sam Allardyce as well as Gareth Southgate, however he didn’t make his debut.
The 30-year-old’s form for the Hammers has seen them climb into the Champions League places of the Premier League table, despite missing the start of the campaign through injury.
England have plenty of options up front with the likes of Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings part of the last squad selected by Southgate.
Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling can also be played through the middle, so you can see why Antonio isn’t a contender to break through.
Antonio revealed he rejected several approaches from Jamaica in 2016 because of his dream to play for England.
Speaking after he was called up to the squad by Allardyce, he said: ‘I turned down an approach from Jamaica in March and for this to happen so quickly, I’m buzzing. I just want to keep my feet on the floor.
‘In my first season in the Premier League, even though I had good stats, the England manager would have had to take a risk on me.
‘It looks like the gaffer now believes that I’ve done enough to be in there, so hopefully I can prove him right.’
He was then called up by Gareth Southgate in 2017 though he was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
The current Jamaica squad is starting to impress many, as it includes former West Ham and Manchester United player Ravel Morrison, who previously played for England youth sides. Fulham’s Bobby Decordova-Reid and Michael Hector are also regulars.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey is also in the first team, giving a big boost to the Jamaican outfit.
The ‘Reggae Boyz’ last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, with current boss Theodore Whitmore scoring the two goals in their famous victory over Japan.
Down below is two potential lineups with the changes and incomings…
Fans reacted after hearing that Jamaica are to call-up 10 England stars ready for the 2022 World Cup…
@Peralta_0610: Damn 👀🔥
@JamalBillal: Do we dare to dream
@Devonte_reece: 👀 👀 looks a bit tasty this
@kwabrainz: Ivan please there is little or no hope for the 3 lions.. Go n play for Jamaica
@KyleUTFH: CONCACAF gonna get real spicy when Jamaica becomes England’s B Team.
@AndrewDettmer: Concacaf is about to be lit
@rangerslad1983: Fantastic for kemar roofe 😍😍
@dlordthadon; Good on them. Would like to see more players do this
@WHUNate: This actually makes me so happy 😁
@Segmarv: Jamaica need a proper coach ya NOW!!!!
@MJGibbo28: @ivantoney24 playing for the Reggae Boyz…. ⚽️⚽️⚽️
@Callum_jcks: @jaytudor23 @d00little scenes for Jamaica
@d00little: Jeez. FM save inbound
@bloodclartblake: Broooo. Them + Leon Bailey. It’s over for the Concacaf. We’re back. Finally I can cop a new reggae boyz top so that this 98 one can survive
@Themalcolmmind: Jamal Lowe is a low key huge pick up for the Jamaican federation. His ability to play across midfield is awesome.
@MaEesh10: Clever move by the reggae boys, hope they make the @FIFAWorldCup
@TD__H__: Max Aaron’s alone would change the ENTIRE back line
@Staying_Kou: Max Aarons and Mason Holgate are long shots but the rest should be on their way to Jamaica. Imagine that team
@PFCRhys_: Ivan Toney would be a huge loss for England. He wouldn’t get in the Euros squad but he has such a bright future
@Yechi_Nka: This team would be dangerous
@Bayo_Onipede: Qatar 2022 about to be a VIBE !
@Lewis_Conner_: Jamaica could actually become quite a good national team in a few years if they are hot on doing this sort of thing
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