According to reports, Jamaica have made a list of 15 English players they wish to call up to the national team, including Everton’s Mason Holgate. Eight of the players listed are already acquiring their Jamaican passports.
The Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts announced that the Caribbean country are looking to call up a group of English players before the World Cup next year in Qatar.
Michael Ricketts announces Jamaica’s plans
“I see Andre Gray, Demarai Gray, Isaac Hayden, Mason Holgate, Liam Moore, who arleady has his Jamaican passport, Nathan Redmond, Kemar Roofe and Ivan Toney. All of those, we are in the process of acquiring their Jamaican passports.” Ricketts said to Sports Max.
“The process is becoming a little tedious because of the pandemic but the process is ongoing and we are hopeful we will get the passports for these gentlemen in reasonable time.”
JFF contacted Everton about the potential switch but they are yet to reply. Issac Hayden is reportedly open to representing Jamaica at international level, but is focusing on Newcastle’s relegation battle.
Nathan Redmond is the only player to represent England at senior level. However, as it was only a friendly game, he is able to switch allegiances to Jamaica under the new FIFA ruling.
The Reggae Boyz are also looking to call up West Ham striker Michail Antonio, who previously declined an offer in 2016. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, but did not make his debut. David Moyes is urging the forward to hold out for another England call up. Antonio has scored 7 goals in the league this season.
Max Aarons, 21, and Ivan Toney, 24, who both play in the Championship, are doubtful on representing Jamaica. They are both hopeful of senior England call-ups in the future.
Other players targeted by Jamaica include Jamal Lowe, Amari’i Bell, Kasey Palmer, Rolando Aarons and Ethan Pinnock.
Jamaica haven’t qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, yet, and haven’t done so since 1998. They already boast former English talent Ravel Morrison, who switched allegiance late last year.
Switching allegiances
FIFA recently updated their rules on switching allegiances to make it easier for national teams and players. Previously, if you had played just one minute of competitive, you were unable to switch nations.
Now, players who have only represented their country in three fixtures, but not a tournaments like the World Cup. The player must have been younger than 21 and can only switch after three years of international inactivity.
