Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
JAMAICA'S FOOTBALL should have a more fruitful spin-off from Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup qualification than it did from the twin island republic's playoff against Bahrain.
The Reggae Boyz, according to reports coming out of England, could meet that country in a potentially lucrative friendly early next year.
In an article written by John Cross of the Mirror newspaper, it was reported that England coach Sven Goran Eriksson "has lined up Uruguay and Jamaica as his World Cup warm-up matches".
England, who hosted and won the 1966 World Cup, were drawn in Group B for the 2006 Germany tournament with Caribbean debutants Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden and Paraguay. A third friendly is being sought with a Scandinavian team.
The article also stated negotiations had already begun for the friendly matches and that three dates had been set aside.
First vice-president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) George Evans yesterday confirmed that negotiations were taking place but would not say much more.
NEGOTIATIONS
"Yes, I can confirm that negotiations are taking place, but there is not much that can be said at this time as it is in the embryonic stages," said Evans.
If the friendly international against the world's ninth-ranked team materialises, it would be the biggest game managed by the Crenston Boxhill administration in its two years in office.
The friendly international would be a winning situation for both parties. For England, Jamaica, the top-ranked team in the Caribbean, would provide good practice in preparation for their World Cup date with Trinidad and Tobago. For Jamaica, it would be an opportunity to earn some well-needed funds as well as a chance to redeem themselves.
The last time Jamaica played a friendly international was against Australia on October 9 in London.
Australia were then preparing to face Uruguay in a two-way play-off for a spot in the World Cup.
In that Craven Cottage fixture Jamaica were swamped 6-0 by the Socceroos, who went on to qualify for the World Cup ahead of Uruguay.
