Everton star Demarai Gray switches international allegiance to Jamaica | OneFootball

Everton winger Demarai Gray has decided to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, according to The Athletic.

The 26-year-old is the latest in a line of former England youth internationals to make such a switch.

The decision follows his call-up to the Jamaican national team for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Gray represented England at youth level. He played for England’s under-21s, earning 26 caps between 2016 and 2018.

Although he was in England manager Gareth Southgate’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Gray did not feature in any matches.

Following his lack of opportunities with the England senior team, Gray has decided to take another direction.

After obtaining a Jamaican passport through his maternal grandparents, the winger has made himself available for the Reggae Boyz.

Jamaica’s manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, has reportedly been in contact with the Birmingham-born attacker since September 2022.

Gray’s decision to switch allegiances highlights the increasing trend of football stars opting to represent countries where they will get more playing opportunities.

One such player is West Ham United’s Michail Antonio. The Hammers attacker pledged his commitment to Jamaica in May 2021.

Since then, Antonio has earned seven international caps. He had previously received call-ups for the England team, but injuries hindered him.

Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey has been with the Jamaican national team since 2019. He initially featured for the under-23 side before stepping up. He could have played for England but chose Jamaica.

The 25-year-old has made 19 appearances for his mother country, scoring three goals.

Joining Gray, Antonio, and Bailey in the June call-up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup are Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock and Fulham’s Bobby Decordova Reid.

The trio completes the English top-flight contingent representing Jamaica in the tournament.

Jamaica’s Gold Cup campaign will kick off with matches against Trinidad and Tobago.

Also, they will face current CONCACAF Nations League champions, the United States.

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) have won the Gold Cup seven times and aim to match Mexico’s record of eight victories as tournament co-hosts alongside Canada.