Pundits approve of Gold Cup squad

Molynes United head coach Calvert Fitzgerald and former national goalkeeper Ryan Thompson say that the return of key players to the final Concacaf Gold Cup roster will give head coach Theodore Whitmore a good platform in their quest for another deep tournament run.

The final 23-man squad for the Gold Cup was released yesterday with a number of players making their international returns after a lengthy absence. National goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake, who has missed the last five international games because of club commitment, and other reasons, is included. Blake's Philadelphia Union teammates Cory Burke and Alvas Powell have also been recalled, both having played their last international games in 2019.

West Ham's Michail Antonio, who was seeking a Jamaican passport, was also excluded. There were reported concerns last month that some England-based players would not have received their documentation in time for the tournament.

Fitzgerald said that the final roster represents a commitment to having the best team possible, given that uncertainty.

"Looking through Theodore's eyes, it was a possibility that they might not get some of the English players that we are hoping that we would get, so he is trying to gel a team without them just in case," he said.

The Jamaica Football Federation did not respond to calls made by The Gleaner regarding Antonio.

Whitmore's preparation leading up to the tournament has had challenges, including not having a full-strength team available this year due to contract negotiations, injuries, and travel concerns during the last two international windows. However, players such as Leon Bailey, Kemar Lawrence, Shamar Nicholson, and Junior Flemmings will be available to him for this cycle.

Thompson says that having his primary group available again will give Whitmore stability, as well as facilitate a smooth transition for those who will be playing in their first continental tournament.

"He has a core group of guys who have been there and done that, so they understand the culture," he said. "If I was in Whitmore's shoes, I would be more optimistic than ever because we have some hungry (players), players who are willing to fight for a common cause.

"It comes back to building that culture in the short amount of time that he has."

The squad also consists of recent international debutants such as Liam Moore, Blair Turgott, and Amari'i Bell. In addition to the returnees, former Reggae Boy, now Arnett Gardens head coach, Alex Thomas, says that the squad has the capability of going one step further this year.

"Those are big quality players that will bolster our squad, give our squad depth, and can bring the team as far as possible in the Gold Cup," he said. "Those players are doing really well in their respective leagues and therefore can do well for their national team."

Jamaica has advanced to the semifinals of the last three tournaments including back-to-back finals in 2015 and 2017. The Reggae Boyz will be based in Orlando, Florida for a nine-day training camp which officially started yesterday. Their first game in Group C will be against Suriname on July 12.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com

Final Squad List

Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)

Dennis Taylor (Humble Lion)

Dillon Barnes (Queens Park Rangers)

Liam Moore (Reading)

Javon East (Santos de Guapiles)

Cory Burke (Philadelphia Union)

Leon Bailey (Bayer Leverkusen)

Alvas Powell (Philadelphia Union)

Oniel Fisher (LA Galaxy)

Amari'i Bell (Luton Town FC)

Bobby Reid (Fulham)

Tyreek Magee (K.A.S. Eupen)

Blair Turgott (Ostersunds)

Damion Lowe (Al Ittihad Alexandria)

Lamar Walker (Miami FC)

Michael Hector (Fulham)

Daniel Johnson (Preston North End)

Ravel Morrison (Unattached)

Kemar Lawrence (Toronto FC)

Adrian Mariappa (Bristol City)

Devon Williams (Miami FC)

Shamar Nicholson (FC Charleroi)

Junior Flemmings (Birmingham Legion)