Advertisement

England move to secure Mason Greenwood and Maitland-Niles futures as Jamaica eye international reinforcements

PA
PA

England manager Gareth Southgate will reportedly speak with four players born to Jamaican parents regarding their international futures, including Manchester United's Mason Greenwood and Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

There are 124 players across the top four divisions in England born in England to Jamaican parents or grandparents, and TVJ Sports claim Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Everton's Mason Holgate are also of interest to Southgate.

The Yorkshire Evening Post add that Phillips will meet with Southgate on Friday over a possible call-up to England's next squad in September.

Jamaican agent Devon Porter told TVJ Sports: "He was excited about representing Jamaica, even though he understands that Gareth Southgate has been monitoring him for a while now.

"He is passionate about his Jamaican heritage and he's very, very interested in representing Jamaica."

Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates winning the FA Cup. (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates winning the FA Cup. (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

He added: "I am in the interim of contacting Mason Holgate from Everton through his agent. I've sent him an email and he will reply to me.

"He is on paternity leave and after he's off his leave he will have a discussion with Mason and then get back to me."

When asked by TVJ Sports about the fate of the four, Jamaica head coach Roy Simpson said it is a must that not all choose to represent England.

He said: "The decision is for every player to make, however, if we still do not get the services of any of those players we can't continue to remain Qatar-motivated and can't continue to carry the hopes of our Jamaican people."

Kalvin Phillips recently earned promotion to the Premier League with Leeds. (Getty Images)
Kalvin Phillips recently earned promotion to the Premier League with Leeds. (Getty Images)

Jamaica are expected to begin qualification for the 2022 World Cup next summer. One younger player who could represent the Reggae Boyz is United youngster Ethan Laird, who has played for England at Under-17, -18 and -19 level.

Porter said: "He is a very talented young player. These players would love to come back and play for Jamaica.

"This would bring loads of depth to the team, especially at the right-back position in case of injuries. We have players in the pool we can call on at any time."

Raheem Sterling, Luther Blissett and John Barnes are three who were born in Jamaica before emigrating to England.