Busby continues to mix youth, experience

Jamaica have named a strong 28-player preliminary squad for the quarter-final round of the Concacaf W Championship, with captain Khadija Shaw leading a group that blends experienced internationals with emerging talent as the Reggae Girlz seek to secure a place at another FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The squad includes several players who helped Jamaica qualify for the last two Women’s World Cups, among them Manchester City striker Shaw, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Drew Spence, Crystal Palace defender Allyson Swaby, Vancouver Rise defender Chantelle Swaby and Chelsea goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.

Head coach Hubert Busby Jr has also selected a number of younger players who have impressed at club and collegiate levels, including Orlando Pride forward Solai Washington, Houston Dash attacker Kalyssa Van Zanten, San Diego Wave midfielder Amelia Van Zanten and Florida State University forward Shaneil Buckley.

Jamaica’s goalkeeping unit is led by the experienced Spencer and Sydney Schneider, while University of North Carolina shot-stopper Liya Brooks has also earned a call-up.

The defensive contingent features Konya Plummer of Turkish club Fenerbahce, Toluca’s Deneisha Blackwood, Utah Royals defender Kameron Simmonds, Adelaide United’s Tianna Harris and Canada’s Naya Cardoza.

In midfield, Spence and Trudi Carter provide leadership and experience, while Nikayla Small, Atlanta Primus, Jade Bailey and Spain-based Olufolasade Adamolekun add depth and creativity.

Jamaica’s attacking options appear particularly strong, with Shaw joined by Olympique de Marseille’s Jody Brown, Nottingham Forest striker Shania Hayles, Wrexham forward Natasha Thomas, and Grasshopper Club pair Kayla McCoy and Paige Bailey.

The squad underlines the global reach of the Jamaican women’s programme, with players representing clubs across England, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Canada, Australia and the United States.

The Concacaf W Championship will serve as the region’s primary qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Teams will be battling not only for the continental crown, but also for direct qualification spots to the World Cup.

Jamaica, who made history by reaching the 2019 tournament in France before returning for the 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand, will be aiming to secure a third consecutive appearance on women’s football’s biggest stage.

With a squad featuring proven internationals, experienced leaders and an exciting crop of young talent, the Reggae Girlz will back themselves to make another deep run in Concacaf competition and keep alive their impressive World Cup qualification streak.

Preliminary Concacaf W Championship squad

Goalkeepers: Sydney Schneider (Unattached), Rebecca Spencer (Chelsea FC), Liya Brooks (University of North Carolina)

Defenders: Allyson Swaby (Crystal Palace FC), Chantelle Swaby (Vancouver Rise FC), Konya Plummer (Fenerbahce SK), Deneisha Blackwood (Toluca FC), Kameron Simmonds (Utah Royals FC), Tianna Harris (Adelaide United FC), Naya Cardoza (Halifax Tides FC), Jazmin Ferguson (Gwinnett Soccer Academy)

Midfielders: Drew Spence (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Trudi Carter (Xolos de Tijuana), Amelia Van Zanten (San Diego Wave FC), Nikayla Small (AFC Toronto), Atlanta Primus (Sunderland AFC), Jade Bailey (Piteå IF), Olufolasade Adamolekun (Dux Logroño)

Forwards: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City FC), Jody Brown (Olympique de Marseille), Shania Hayles (Nottingham Forest FC), Natasha Thomas (Wrexham AFC), Kayla McCoy (Grasshopper Club), Paige Bailey (Grasshopper Club), Kalyssa Van Zanten (Houston Dash), Solai Washington (Orlando Pride), Shaneil Buckley (Florida State University)