EPL Index
·7 October 2023
EPL Index
·7 October 2023
There’s a melody wafting through the vibrant streets of Kingston, Jamaica, a call to arms of sorts. And this time, it’s harmonising with the rhythm of Crystal Palace’s rising talent, Tyrick Mitchell.
It’s been more than a year since Jamaica began its courtship of Mitchell, hoping to sway him towards wearing the gold and green. With his absence from the Three Lions’ fold becoming a consistent affair, Mitchell might be tempted to dance to this new tune.
Though Mitchell graced the pitch for England back in March 2022 against the likes of Switzerland and Ivory Coast, he’s since become somewhat of a forgotten talent for Gareth Southgate. Curiously, in the recent call-ups, Southgate hasn’t chosen a dedicated left-back. With the upcoming matches against formidable teams like Australia and Italy, England finds themselves amidst an injury storm in this particular position.
Newcastle’s pride, Kieran Trippier, a right-back by profession, looks poised to don the left-back role. Not to be outdone, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, showcasing versatility this season, is also in contention, a fact Mr. Southgate himself validated.
Last month, the mantle was shouldered solely by Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell. But fate has ruled him out with a hamstring niggle, placing him alongside Luke Shaw, another injured star. With Brentford’s Rico Henry also marked absent due to an ACL setback, the question lingers: Why not Mitchell?
Mitchell’s brief soiree with the English squad in 2022 was restricted to friendlies. As a consequence, the door to Jamaica remains enticingly ajar. In football terms, his commitment isn’t set in stone, granting him the freedom to ponder a future under the Jamaican sun.
The Caribbean nation, Jamaica, aren’t a novice at this game. They’ve previously managed to entice England hopefuls, with names like Ethan Pinnock, Michail Antonio, and Demarai Gray now adorning their ranks.
The underlying sentiment in all of this? It’s not just about representing a country; it’s about feeling valued, recognised, and being given the stage to showcase one’s talent.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the days ahead will reveal whether Mitchell will heed the call of his ancestral roots or continue to hope for the roar of England’s lion to echo his name.
In football, as in life, crossroads are inevitable. For Tyrick Mitchell, it’s a juncture of introspection: choosing between the allure of representing England or embracing the warmth of Jamaica’s embrace. Only time will unveil his path, but one thing’s for sure – the stage awaits, and Mitchell is more than ready.