Reggae Boyz need to turn the music up

I am one of those rare Englishmen that likes to see other ‘home nations’ qualify for big tournaments, so that went well this past week.

You just know that Lloyd Jones would have won that header against Edin Džeko at that late corner!

Jamaica made it through, but were hardly impressive against New Caledonia, who held their own and watching the highlights it looked an even contest, and the Reggae Boyz were hanging on a bit at the end. They need to be a lot, lot better next week.

Whilst Jamaica can call on players from England’s top two divisions, New Caledonia fielded players from lower level French clubs you’ve never heard off, or from New Caledonia’s ten amateur clubs spread across the archipelago.

Wrexham’s Bailey Cadameteri scored the vital winner for Jamaica, and with the crowd backing the underdogs, the Jamaican players celebrated wildly at the final whistle but Tuesday’s final game against DR Congo looks on paper, and on form a leap too far.

Congo possess players nearly all playing in Europe’s top leagues including Newcastle’s Wissa and West Ham’s Wan-Bissaka.

Amari’i Bell, who along with other better known names, was left on the bench against New Caledonia. He was introduced in the 84th but is expected to start on Tuesday. I think they will need him.

Tyreece Campbell started but was replaced by Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey in the 68th minute and Karoy Anderson played the whole game on the left-side of midfield.

The DR Congo chose to warm up against my old homeland Bermuda last week, which I suppose makes sense, but Bermuda have nowhere near the quality of Jamaica. The Congolese won 2-0.

Tuesday’s make or break game, also in Guadalajara, kicks off at 5pm here, so 10pm in the UK, which is where I will try to watch it.