World Cup Comeback Remains Goal for Jamaica Veteran
Antonio could find it tough being selected for Reggae Boyz, who have nine strikers in their squad to tackle Curacao and Bermuda
Michail Antonio’s dream to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals hangs by a thin thread, especially as the Jamaica striker is a free agent.
The 35-year-old survived an horrendous car crash in England last December. He was fortunate to only break his leg in four places after his Ferrari crashed into a tree at Epping Forest.
His recovery time was swift, training with West Ham United just four months after the terrible accident. Although the London-born marksman had been with the club since 2015, he left the Hammers in the summer because a contract extension on new terms could not be agreed.
Antonio, who netted 83 goals in 323 appearances for West Ham, remains the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League. Yet winning the 2022/2023 Europa Conference League was the pinnacle of his impressive career.
He trained at the club’s facilities in August and made one appearance for West Ham’s U21 team. However, Antonio has recently been training with Premier League outfit Brentford as he lives nearby, in a bid to resurrect his club career with a new side.
With Antonio’s playing days at a club level stalling, he has since turned his attention to punditry in England. Although he is still determined to represent Steve McClaren’s Reggae Boyz, who are on course to compete at next year’s World Cup finals.
McClaren has pushed the boat out in terms of forwards for the CONCACAF matches against Curacao (tonight) and Bermuda (Tuesday), by naming a staggering nine strikers.
Demarai Gray suffered a groin strain at training, so the attacker will miss the clash in Curacao, while Antonio’s injury setback meant that he was not considered for Jamaica so could not be called up as a late replacement for the Birmingham City ace.
When asked by British radio station talkSPORT about his playing future, Antonio explained: “I’m speaking to clubs to see where the best offer is for me to go.
“We’re talking to clubs here [England], we’re talking to clubs abroad, but I’m going to leave it very vague.”
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