McClaren expects much from fully fit squad
Published:Sunday | October 5, 2025 | 12:17 AMGregory Bryce - Staff Reporter
WITH TWO wins under their belt, Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren is hoping the team can continue their good form when they take on Curacao and Bermuda in the October international window for the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers.
Jamaica had a perfect start to the final round of World Cup Qualifiers, as they defeated Bermuda 4-0 and got by Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 to sit atop Group B with a perfect six points.
With a top-of-table clash against Curacao next, followed by the return fixture against Bermuda, McClaren is hoping they can extend their winning run.
“We had a good start. We need to continue the momentum and it will be a very difficult game,” he said.
The Reggae Boyz boss was speaking at a press conference yesterday at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) headquarters where he named a 26-man squad for the two fixtures.
McClaren spoke highly of Curacao, who currently sit second in the group with four points.
The Dutch-speaking island is expected to be one of Jamaica’s biggest tests in the final round, with several of their marquee players playing in the Dutch leagues.
He also praised Curacao’s head coach, Dick Advocaat, for the work he has done since his appointment last year.
“They have a very, very experienced coach in Dick Advocaat. I know of him from his time also in England. They have a squad full of Dutch players.
“The Dutch play a certain style, a certain way, and Dick’s certainly got them doing that. I know that very well. They have very good players, technically very good, and, obviously, playing at home on the artificial surface will give them an advantage.”
McClaren said this will not be an excuse, as he expects Jamaica to leave the contest with all three points.
“We have no excuses. The focus is purely on getting the squad together and making sure everybody comes through and focusing on preparation for the game,” he explained.
“We know what to expect and it will be very, very difficult. We need to defend very well but also, when we have the opportunity, to play our football.
“But we’ve not just got this game but we have Bermuda as well and we want to come out with the points that we need to make sure we’re in control of the group for the November camp.”
Jamaica will face Curacao in an away fixture on October 10 at the Ergilio Hato Stadium before playing hosts to Bermuda at the National Stadium on October 14.
McClaren’s squad will be bolstered by the return of several key players who were absent from the September international window through injury.
Captain and stalwart goalkeeper Andre Blake is set to return and comes back on the back of back-to-back clean sheets with the Philadelphia Union.
The Boyz will also see a major boost in the backline with the return of Joel Latibeaudiere, Amari’i Bell and Ethan Pinnock.
Up front, Demarai Gray is set for a return with the forward, having scored his first goal on his return to Birmingham City at the end of September.
Leon Bailey, who had since made his return to training for AS Roma, is set to miss out.
McClaren stated it was better for the forward to focus on his recovery before joining the squad for the November camp.
“Leon Bailey was desperate to come but, unfortunately, he is just coming back from his injuries,” he said.
“He’s back on the grass with his team and we feel it’s best that he focuses on getting fit and getting into Roma’s team and being available for the November window.”
The team will also see the introduction of Ian Fray and Seymour Reid.
Fray was called up for the September window but pulled out of the squad, citing a lack of readiness.
Reid, the 17-year-old talent, has earned his first senior call-up, having impressed at New York City FC in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The striker scored his first senior goal last month in a 3-1 win over Chicago Fire.
The Boyz are searching for their second-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup following their debut in 1998.
Full Squad
Defenders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Amari’i Bell, Mason Holgate
Midfielders: Isaac Hayden, Ian Fray, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, Karoy Anderson, Jahshaun Anglin, Kasey Palmer
Forwards: Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri, Shamar Nicholson, Rumarn Burrell, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Seymour Reid