Cool Runnings

The final week of February brings with it thoughts of pancakes, longer days and most importantly welcoming arms to the impending warmth of spring. As we look to embrace our countdown to the summer months and the World Cup in Brazil, what better way to banish the frosty days of winter and greet sunnier times than celebrating all things tropical, with a star studded Caribbean XI.

The rules are straightforward. The player must be capped at international level for a member of the Caribbean nations. In accordance with FIFA regulation, international eligibility will be prioritised over birthplace. For instance, Raheem Sterling, despite being born in Kingston, Jamaica, is not eligible to play for the Caribbean XI as he has represented England at international level. Conversely, Aylesbury born Emmerson Boyce qualifies to play as a result of his caps for Barbados. Simple?

Then here goes! Trinidad & Tobago were the last Caribbean team to qualify for a World Cup and stand at 77^th in the FIFA world rankings, the highest of the Caribbean nations. In recent years they have produced a plethora of British footballing cult heroes, including Stern John, Russell Latapy and the legendary Dwight Yorke. It is no surprise, therefore, that the smallest nation to compete at a World Cup provides the captain and spearhead, Cardiff City’s Kenwyne Jones.

Given the large Jamaican population in the UK, the “Reggae Boyz” dominate the Caribbean contingent playing in the English leagues. The Jamaicans last qualified for a World Cup in 1998, a campaign which included a 2-1 victory over Japan. Members of the famous ’98 squad included Deon Burton, Marcus Gayle and Robbie Earle. Former Bolton, Bradford and L.A Galaxy ‘keeper Donovan Ricketts is in between the sticks, with Watford legend Lloyd Doyley at the heart of the defence. Alongside him in a back three, is Crystal Palace’s Adrian Mariappa and the man who captained Wigan Athletic to FA Cup success over Manchester City, Barbadian Emmerson Boyce. Notable mentions go to veteran Jlloyd Samuel, Wes Morgan and Justin Hoyte who will play on the bench.

In midfield is where the greatest problems are posed. With the plethora of attacking options, versatility is the name of the game in the middle of the park. One such example is Reading skipper Jobi McAnuff, who will partner Leeds destroyer Rodolph Austin in central midfield, despite being primarily a winger. Completing an all Jamaican midfield will be McAnuff’s Reading team mate Gareth McLeary and Sheffield Wednesday winger Jermaine Johnson. Former Bolton Wanderers stalwart, Ricardo Gardner, who has 112 international caps to his name, is also in contention, despite the currently being a free agent.

Up front, the Caribbean team is spoilt for choice. Kenwyne Jones has already been confirmed as the central striker, so the dilemma is in who will play alongside the 29 year old. The two wingers in midfield demands that an aerial presence is required, alongside an ability to stretch the opposing defence to create space for the wide men. Former Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller is one option, having featured over 70 times for Jamaica and scoring over 100 goals in English football whilst Antigua & Barbuda international Dexter Blackstock has gained a reputation in the Championship for an ability to hold up possession and link other players in to the game.

Jermaine Beckford’s prolific spell with Leeds and Premier League experience with Everton also puts him in with a strong chance of appearing for the Caribbean XI. Marlon King further provides the option of a player who has experience of scoring goals at the top level. Grenada international Jason Roberts could also stake a claim for the central forward berth, having played in the Premier League for Blackburn, West Brom, Portsmouth, Wigan and Reading. The 36 year old, however, admitted recently that numerous attempts to recover from injury and return to completive, consistent football have failed and that the dreaded trapdoor of retirement looms.

The absence of a Caribbean nation from Brazil 2014 may seem to be a damning reflection of the standard of football in the Atlantic islands. However there is reason to believe that future tournaments will be more fruitful. Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and the Dominican Republic have all risen in the recent FIFA rankings and the emergence of Cuba as a competitive force, having won the 2012 Caribbean Cup suggests that this corner of the world could potentially supply a representative at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Until then, however, how would the fortunate few chosen men suffice if they were to perform this summer? Presenting to you the “Reggae Boyz”, the “Spice Boys”, the “Soca Warriors” and more, the Caribbean XI. Think you can do better? Grab a cocktail, play some Bob Marley and see how you would fare as the Caribbean coach!

3-4-1-2

Ricketts (Jamaica)

Boyce (Barbados) Doyley (Jamaica) Mariappa (Jamaica)

McLeary (Jamaica) Austin (Jamaica) McAnuff (Jamaica) Johnson (Jamaica)

Blackstock (Antigua & Barbuda)

Fuller (Jamaica) Jones (Trinidad & Tobago)

BENCH: Jlloyd Samuel (Trinidad & Tobago), Wes Morgan (Jamaica), Heinz Barmettler (Dominican Republic), Marlon King (Jamaica), Carlos Edwards (Trinidad & Tobago), Jermaine Beckford (Jamaica), Justin Hoyte (Trinidad & Tobago)