One new player has been handed a potential debut as Jamaica head coach Steve McClaren named his 26-man squad for the decisive Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers starting later this week.
Despite declaring that now is not the time to introduce new players or try new things, McClaren has included Brentford left-back Rico Henry, a player he described as “ideal” for the national setup—if he can clear one final hurdle.
Henry, 28, has been on the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) radar for some time but has yet to acquire his Jamaican passport, which he must obtain before officially representing the Reggae Boyz. The player, born in Birmingham, England, to Jamaican parents, has made 88 Premier League appearances for Brentford and was previously capped twice for England at youth level.
McClaren said Henry’s attitude and recovery from two serious injuries over recent seasons impressed him as much as his defensive quality.
“Rico is a very good player, a Premier League player,” McClaren told reporters during Saturday’s presser. “He’s had bad injuries but fought back with real determination. That shows his mentality—and he plays with that same mentality. He’s fit, sharp, and has experience at the top level. I have no hesitation in bringing him in. He’s at the ideal age and can add to the squad.”
However, McClaren acknowledged that Henry is in a race against time to complete the necessary paperwork.
“The process is ongoing,” he confirmed. “He’s done everything required in London; the documents are all in place. He just needs to visit PICA, apply, sign, and pick up his passport the next day. We’re hoping to get that done before the Trinidad game.”
Should Henry not receive clearance in time for the November 13 clash against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain, McClaren remains hopeful the defender will be available for the home encounter against Curaçao on November 18.
McClaren: ‘I trust them’
With Jamaica perched atop Group B on nine points, one ahead of Curaçao and four clear of Trinidad and Tobago, McClaren’s focus is now on finishing the job and sealing a historic return to the FIFA World Cup.
The Englishman, who took charge 18 months ago, said his latest selection reflects the players’ consistency, loyalty, and shared belief in the national mission.
“From day one, the goal was World Cup qualification,” he said. “We’ve used many players, but we’ve always had a core group—players who’ve been in every camp, every game, showing commitment to Jamaica and to each other. That’s why I’ve picked them. They’ve been here from the start. I trust them, and they trust me.”
McClaren dismissed any notion of tactical tinkering, saying this phase demands unity rather than experimentation.
“It’s very difficult to introduce new players now or try different things,” he said. “This is the time to bed down our principles—our attitude, our fight, and our will to win. We must have more will than anyone else to make this happen, and with God’s will, it will.”
No need for motivation
As the Reggae Boyz edge closer to their first World Cup appearance since France 1998, McClaren insists no rallying speeches are necessary.
“The motivation has been there from the start,” he declared. “We’ve had ups and downs, successes and disappointments, but everything comes down to these two games. The players know exactly what’s at stake—we don’t need to add pressure.”
The coach admitted some frustration with Jamaica’s bureaucratic delays in processing passports for overseas-based players, noting how quickly other regional teams seem to finalize their paperwork.
“It’s something that has always been difficult,” he lamented. “Other countries seem to include players straight away, but for us, it takes longer. I probably ask for too much, but that’s my job—to fight to get the best players we can.”
McClaren’s mix of steadfast faith and pragmatic urgency reflects a man aware of both the weight of expectation and the promise of history. For him, the task is simple: finish the mission that began 18 months ago.
Final two hurdles
Jamaica will travel to Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain to face Trinidad and Tobago on November 13, before returning to Kingston’s National Stadium to host Curaçao five days later.
Only the group winner will advance directly to the World Cup, while the two best second-placed teams across the qualifying groups will head to the intercontinental playoffs.
Full Jamaica Squad: Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Tafari Chambers;
Defenders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Dexter Lembikisa, Gregory Leigh, Damion Lowe, Rico Henry, Mason Holgate, Ian Fray; Midfielders: Isaac Hayden, Bobby Reid, Jonathan Russell, Karoy Anderson, Jahshaun Anglin; Attackers: Bailey Cadamarteri, Shamar Nicholson, Rumarn Burrell, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Warner Brown, Dujuan Richards.
