With momentum on their side and qualification in sight, Jamaica’s head coach, Steve McClaren, has set a decisive tone ahead of the Reggae Boyz’s final two matches in the second round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.
“The key is to win the two games, without a doubt,” McClaren declared on Tuesday during a press conference announcing the squad. “Then gain momentum going towards the Gold Cup.”
Jamaica currently shares top billing in Group E with Guatemala, who edge the Boyz on goal difference. To seal group supremacy, Jamaica will need back-to-back victories—first away against the British Virgin Islands on June 7, then at home against Guatemala on June 10 at Kingston’s National Stadium.
Building on the Unity Cup spark
The Reggae Boyz enter this qualifying window on the back of a strong showing at the Unity Cup, where, according to McClaren, the squad displayed admirable discipline, chemistry, and intensity.
“From the beginning of the week to the end, the players were exemplary with their work,” he said. “We want to carry that on to the World Cup Qualifiers… the obvious goal is to continue this way of playing and to get better at that.”
McClaren’s coaching philosophy centers on continuity—translating short-term wins into long-term success. And for the British tactician, the Unity Cup was more than just two matches; it was the forging of a new standard.
Midfield depth still a concern
Despite the promising form, McClaren was candid about the team’s current limitations—particularly in midfield.
“We’ve got other players coming into the midfield, but am I satisfied with that? No,” he admitted. “If we get injuries in that area, then we’ll need greater depth.”
While he praised the current crop for stepping up, McClaren remains on the hunt for reinforcements to ensure tactical flexibility and durability deeper into the qualifying rounds.
Russell’s rise, Hayden’s composure
Still, McClaren noted clear positives in midfield leadership, especially in the absence of Bobby Reid due to injury. He singled out Isaac Hayden, Jon Russell, and Kasey Palmer as players who have risen to the occasion.
“Isaac Hayden has settled in very well and has showed his experience and maturity in the squad,” McClaren said.
He continued with praise for Russell, noting the player’s resilience amid club-level challenges and positional adjustments.
“One of the big pluses from the Unity Cup is the form of Jon Russell. He came in our first camp, had troubles with his club and sorted them out… It’s made Jon Russell a different player, more effective, and I think that’s a massive plus for us.”
New additions and returning firepower
Sixteen players from the Unity Cup roster have been retained, including five standouts from the Jamaica Premier League. But McClaren is also injecting fresh energy into the squad.
High-profile attackers Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray return to action, while the coach has also called up promising debutant Tyreece Campbell. These additions, he said, are expected to elevate the squad’s competitiveness and maintain the standards set during the Unity Cup.
“I think we found a few little gems last week and a different way of playing,” McClaren explained. “That’s what I liked… the energy, the work rate, the ethic, and the teamwork. So the ones coming into the squad, we’ll endeavor to show them how we’ve progressed our game.”
Eyes on the Gold Cup horizon
While the immediate goal is topping Group E, McClaren made it clear that this window is about more than points—it’s about setting a tone for the months ahead.
“We’ve got to build on that this week going into these two games and the momentum into the Gold Cup.”
With a clear mission and rising confidence, the Reggae Boyz are aiming not just to win—but to convince. And for McClaren, that journey continues with every whistle, every tackle, and every goal.
Reggae Boyz Squad – World Cup Qualifiers, June 2025
Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite
Defenders: Richard King, Kyle Ming, Dexter Lembikisa, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh, Mason Holgate, Joel Latibeaudiere, Damion Lowe
Midfielders: Isaac Hayden, Kasey Palmer, Jon Russell, Ravel Morrison, Dwayne Atkinson
Forwards: Demarai Gray, Leon Bailey, Renaldo Cephas, Kaheim Dixon, Warner Brown, Rumarn Burrell, Romario Williams, Tyreece Campbell
