EVERTON star Demarai Gray has switched allegiances from England to Jamaica.
It comes after Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun chose to represent the USA over the Three Lions, and then won a trophy on just his second appearance.
He scored as America beat Canada 2-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
Gray will follow in Balogun’s footsteps in the search for more assured international football.
The winger was capped by England’s Under-21 side 26 times from 2016 to 2019.
But Gray has failed to make the step up to the senior team, deciding to call it a day on waiting.
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He qualifies for Jamaica via his grandparents and has been named in the Reggae Boyz’s squad for the Gold Cup.
On the switch, the 26-year-old told The Athletic: “I think it’s the right time.
“International football is something I’ve missed. Jamaica has always been on my mind.
“Coming through as a youngster, I represented England from an early age up to the Under-21s, but not getting a senior cap meant Jamaica was an opportunity for me.
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“At the stage I’m at now, wanting a fresh challenge and with my family roots and culture, I think it’s perfect timing.
“It’s a chance to dig deep into my culture and something, when I look back on my career, I can hopefully be proud of.
“I want to do something that encourages my children to learn about their heritage too.
“When you grow up playing in England and in the England system, it’s easy to think that’s all there is — but it’s not.
“There’s a lot more to football and sitting down with the Jamaica manager widened my eyes and made me see how I can really try to help the nation and bring my skills and experience to Jamaica.
“Being a Premier League player, I want to bring what I’ve learned and my leadership skills to that level of football. Hopefully, I can help.”
Gray’s move to play for Jamaica sees him link-up with with Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, Fulham’s Bobby Decordova-Reid and Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock.
Others have changed England for Jamaica like West Ham star Michail Antonio and Joel Latibeaudiere of Swansea.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
