Michail Antonio has not been named in the Jamaica squad for their upcoming friendly with the USA, despite numerous reports that he had decided to switch his allegiance from England.
Head coach Theodore Whitmore named a 19-man squad for their upcoming clash with Gregg Berhalter’s side, but the West Ham striker was notably absent, leading to speculation he still be mulling over the decision.
Antonio has previously been called up to the England senior squad by both Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate, though he failed to earn a cap on either occasion.
The former Nottingham Forest man was approached in 2016 by the Jamaican FA with regards to switching his allegiance to them, but their advances were rebuffed. However, with another call-up to the Three Lions squad looking unlikely, Antonio was reported to have decided to represent the Reggae Boyz instead.
The frontman was widely expected to be named in the 19-man squad to face the USA, though the BBC report that – for reasons which remain unclear – he hasn’t made the cut.
One possible explanation for why Antonio hasn’t been included in the 19-man group is because he’s holding out for another call-up to the England squad.
The frontman has been in fine form this season, notching seven goals and three assists as West Ham continue their push to bring European football to the London Stadium next season.
Among those who have been selected for Jamaica’s upcoming clash are Watford striker Andre Grey and Reading centre-back Liam Moore.
The 19-man squad included four other England-born players, with Blackburn left-back Amari’i Bell,
Wigan defender Curtis Tilt, Brentford centre-back Ethan Pinnock and Rotherham centre-back Wes Harding also named in the squad.
Jamaica’s friendly with the USA will take place at 17:00 (GMT) on 25 March in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.
