With momentum on their aspect and qualification in sight, Jamaica’s head coach, Steve McClaren, has set a decisive tone forward of the Reggae Boyz’s ultimate two matches within the second spherical of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.
“The hot button is to win the 2 video games, definitely,” McClaren declared on Tuesday throughout a press convention saying the squad. “Then achieve momentum going in the direction of the Gold Cup.”
Jamaica at present shares high billing in Group E with Guatemala, who edge the Boyz on aim distinction. To seal group supremacy, Jamaica will want back-to-back victories—first away in opposition to the British Virgin Islands on June 7, then at dwelling in opposition to Guatemala on June 10 at Kingston’s Nationwide Stadium.
Constructing on the Unity Cup spark
The Reggae Boyz enter this qualifying window on the again of a powerful displaying on the Unity Cup, the place, in response to McClaren, the squad displayed admirable self-discipline, chemistry, and depth.
“From the start of the week to the top, the gamers have been exemplary with their work,” he mentioned. “We wish to carry that on to the World Cup Qualifiers… the plain aim is to proceed this fashion of taking part in and to get higher at that.”
McClaren’s teaching philosophy facilities on continuity—translating short-term wins into long-term success. And for the British tactician, the Unity Cup was extra than simply two matches; it was the forging of a brand new commonplace.
Midfield depth nonetheless a priority
Regardless of the promising type, McClaren was candid concerning the workforce’s present limitations—significantly in midfield.
“We’ve received different gamers coming into the midfield, however am I glad with that? No,” he admitted. “If we get accidents in that space, then we’ll want better depth.”
Whereas he praised the present crop for stepping up, McClaren stays on the hunt for reinforcements to make sure tactical flexibility and sturdiness deeper into the qualifying rounds.
Russell’s rise, Hayden’s composure
Nonetheless, McClaren famous clear positives in midfield management, particularly within the absence of Bobby Reid attributable to damage. He singled out Isaac Hayden, Jon Russell, and Kasey Palmer as gamers who’ve risen to the event.
“Isaac Hayden has settled in very properly and has confirmed his expertise and maturity within the squad,” McClaren mentioned.
He continued with reward for Russell, noting the participant’s resilience amid club-level challenges and positional changes.
“One of many massive pluses from the Unity Cup is the type of Jon Russell. He got here in our first camp, had troubles along with his membership and sorted them out… It’s made Jon Russell a distinct participant, simpler, and I believe that’s an enormous plus for us.”
New additions and returning firepower
Sixteen gamers from the Unity Cup roster have been retained, together with 5 standouts from the Jamaica Premier League. However McClaren can be injecting contemporary vitality into the squad.
Excessive-profile attackers Leon Bailey and Demarai Grey return to motion, whereas the coach has additionally referred to as up promising debutant Tyreece Campbell. These additions, he mentioned, are anticipated to raise the squad’s competitiveness and preserve the requirements set throughout the Unity Cup.
“I believe we discovered a number of little gems final week and a distinct means of taking part in,” McClaren defined. “That’s what I preferred… the vitality, the work charge, the ethic, and the teamwork. So those coming into the squad, we’ll endeavor to indicate them how we’ve progressed our sport.”
Eyes on the Gold Cup horizon
Whereas the rapid aim is topping Group E, McClaren made it clear that this window is about greater than factors—it’s about setting a tone for the months forward.
“We’ve received to construct on that this week going into these two video games and the momentum into the Gold Cup.”
With a transparent mission and rising confidence, the Reggae Boyz are aiming not simply to win—however to persuade. And for McClaren, that journey continues with each whistle, each deal with, and each aim.
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 Grey, Leon Bailey, Renaldo Cephas, Kaheim Dixon, Warner Brown, Rumarn Burrell, Romario Williams, Tyreece Campbell
