Jamaica’s Predicted Starting 11 vs USA in Nations League: “We gonna… give our best!” Says Blake

The Reggae Boyz are hours(Thursday, March 21 – The kickoff 6:00 PM, Jamaican time) away from the Nations League clash against the USA, at the prestigious AT&T Stadium in the US, based on the pre-match interview from team Jamaica, the atmosphere within the camp is one of optimism and determination.

Despite being pegged as underdogs, the Reggae Boyz are not just participating; they’re aiming to make a statement.

Captain Andre Blake, the stalwart goalkeeper, has become the voice of the team’s resilient spirit. In the pre-match interview, Blake encapsulated the team’s mood, saying, “We gonna go out there and give our best!” he also stated that there is a positive “vibe in the camp”.

However, the journey to this crucial match hasn’t been without its hurdles. Heimir Hallgrímsson, the Icelandic coach of the Jamaican squad, pointed out the team’s challenges during the interview with the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” This was in reference to the absence of several ‘key’ players for the upcoming game. Notably, Leon Bailey, Michael Antonio, Ethan Pinnock, and Bell are set to miss the significant clash, usually the first names on the team sheet.

Despite these setbacks, Hallgrímsson sees a silver lining, viewing these absences as “opportunities” for other players to step up and shine on the international stage. he detailed that it’s a chance for them to demonstrate their worth and contribute to the team’s success.

Among those expected to take up the mantle are Lautibeaudiere and Bobby Reid, alongside the reliable Nicholson and, of course, Blake himself. Their presence fuels the belief among fans and pundits alike that the Reggae Boyz can be more organized and perhaps secure a victory against the odds.

Leon Bailey’s suspension has been a focal point of discussions leading up to the match. His recent announcement of taking a “break” from the national team adds a layer of complexity to the team’s preparations.

Watch the pre-match press conference below:

See the Boyz in training below:

Historical Rivalry and Recent Form

United States and Jamaica faced off 32 times in the past, with the American team holding a significant advantage with 19 wins, 10 draws, and only 3 losses. However, football is a game of the moment, and past records are just numbers once the match begins.

The last victory for the Reggae Boyz against the USA dates back to 2015 at the Gold Cup, adding a layer of determination for the Jamaican side to overturn their recent fortunes. The latest encounter between the CONCACAF teams ended in a 1-1 draw, however, in that match, the US played with a depleted team, while Jamaica played with a strong team.

The encounter at AT&T Stadium is more than a game; it’s a narrative of resilience, opportunity, and the unyielding will to excel against the odds. As the Reggae Boyz prepare to face their formidable opponents, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to see their stars shine on the international stage.

The USA, currently ranked 13th globally by FIFA, enters the match as the reigning champions of the CONCACAF Nations League. Despite a shaky second leg in the quarterfinals, they advanced on aggregate, thanks to an impressive first-leg performance. The predicted lineup for the USA includes: Turner, Richards, Ream, Scally, Robinson, Musah, McKennie, Weah, Reyna, Pulisic and Balogun
are predicted to start for the USA

On the other side, Jamaica, ranked 57th, is not to be underestimated. After edging out Canada in the quarterfinals, the Jamaican team is eager to prove their worth on the big stage.

The predicted starting lineup for the Reggae Boyz

Gray and Nicholson are out of the match because of card suspensions.

It’s expected that the coach either play a counter-attacking lineup in 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 or a more defensive 5-3-2(or 5-4-1)Given the circumstances surrounding the team, never the less, an attacking 4-3-3 formation is not expected from the Boyz.

The following players are expected to start for Jamaica against the USA:

Counter-attacking 11: Blake; Lembikisa, Lowe, Bernard, Leigh; Lautibeaudiere, Johnson; Jamal Lowe, Dixon, Decordova-Reid; Cory Burke.

Defensive 11: Blake; Hector, Lembikisa, Lowe, Bernard, Leigh; Lautibeaudiere, Johnson, Jamal Lowe; Decordova-Reid and Cory Burke.

See the full squad for Jamaica below